Working Time Tools

UK Shift Hours Calculator

Designed for shift workers in retail, hospitality, care, warehousing and healthcare, this calculator separates the gross length of your shift from the time you are actually paid for.

You can enter two separate unpaid breaks, which is common on twelve-hour shifts and split rotas.

UK Shift Hours Calculator

Results update as you type. Nothing you enter is stored.

Results

Hours worked
11 hours 30 minutes
Decimal hours
11.50 hours
Total minutes worked
690 minutes
Time between start and finish
12 hours 0 minutes
Unpaid break deducted
30 minutes

The finish time is earlier than the start time, so this is treated as an overnight shift.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the start and end of your shift.
  2. Add your first unpaid break in minutes.
  3. Add a second unpaid break if your rota includes one, otherwise leave it at 0.
  4. Compare gross shift duration with net working time to see exactly what you are paid for.

How the calculation works

  • Gross shift duration is the whole period between clocking in and clocking out, with 24 hours added when the shift crosses midnight.
  • Both break values are added together and deducted from the gross duration.
  • Net working time is what most employers use as paid hours on a shift rota.

Example calculation

Inputs

  • Shift start: 19:00
  • Shift end: 07:00
  • Breaks: 30 + 20 minutes

Result

  • Gross shift 12 hours
  • Breaks 50 minutes
  • Net 11 hours 10 minutes (11.17 decimal)

Things to keep in mind

  • Some employers pay one break and not another — only enter the breaks that are unpaid.
  • Night shift premiums and unsocial hours pay are set by your contract and are not included here.
  • These results are for general guidance. See our disclaimer — this is not legal, tax or financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a 19:00 to 07:00 shift?

Twelve hours gross. After a 30 minute unpaid break you are paid for 11 hours 30 minutes.

Can I calculate a split shift?

Yes — run the calculator once for each block of work, or enter the full span and put the unpaid gap in as a break.

Are breaks always unpaid in the UK?

No. Rest breaks do not have to be paid, but many contracts do pay them. Check your contract and only deduct breaks that are unpaid.

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