Shift length calculator
Work out paid hours from start time, finish time and an unpaid break, including overnight shifts.
What the result means
Shift length is clock time minus unpaid breaks. If finish is earlier than start, the shift is treated as crossing midnight.
How it is calculated
Elapsed = finish − start, or finish + 24 − start if overnight. Paid = elapsed − unpaid break
- Time: Decimal 24-hour clock. 17.5 is 5:30 pm.
Times are numbers, not timezone-aware timestamps. 24.0 is not valid; use 0 for midnight.
Assumptions
- Estimates only — not tax, legal, credit or financial advice. Check the official source or your contract before relying on a figure.
- A single shift under 24 hours.
- No auto-application of penalties.
Worked example
22:00 to 06:00 with a 30-minute unpaid break
A night shift.
- Elapsed
- 8 hours
- Paid
- 7.5 hours
Feed 7.5 hours into the timesheet calculator if overtime rules also apply.
Paid versus unpaid breaks
Awards differ on whether a meal break is paid. Enter only the unpaid portion. Penalties for weekends, nights and public holidays are not applied.
Questions
How do I enter 9:15?
9.25. Each 0.25 is 15 minutes.
Related calculators
Sources
Fair Work Ombudsman
Last reviewed 2026-08-19
Fair Work Ombudsman
Last reviewed 2026-08-19
Work · Last reviewed 2026-08-19
Estimates only. Not tax, legal or financial advice. Check official sources before relying on a figure.
Printed from OzCalc (ozcalc.com). Last reviewed 2026-08-19. Estimates only — not tax, legal or financial advice.