Calculate working hours: formula, breaks, decimals
Working time is the time between start and end, without breaks. It is the basis for pay, overtime and time accounts.
The formula
End minus start minus break. Example: 8:00 to 17:00 is 9 hours, minus a 45-minute break is 8 hours 15 minutes.
Decimal hours
For payroll, minutes are converted into decimals: minutes divided by 60. 15 minutes is 0.25 hours, 30 minutes 0.5 and 45 minutes 0.75. 8 hours 15 minutes becomes 8.25 hours.
Breaks and maximum time
For more than 6 hours of work at least 30 minutes of break are required, for more than 9 hours at least 45 minutes. Normally up to 8 hours a day are allowed, up to 10 hours with compensation.
Good to know
- The calculator handles work past midnight correctly.
- Paid breaks are a matter of the employment contract.
- Time recording at work has its own obligations; ask if in doubt.
General calculation aid, not legal advice. For questions on working hours and breaks, the law, collective agreement and employment contract apply. Source: §§ 3, 4 ArbZG, gesetze-im-internet.de. As of: 11/2026. No warranty, not tax or legal advice. Updated: November 2026