Shift Length Calculator
Work out the length of a work shift including unpaid break time, and see the total paid hours for the shift.
Your results
Calculation breakdown
- On-site time
- Finish time − start time
- Paid hours
- On-site time − unpaid break
Worked example
A shift from 07:00 to 15:30 with a 30-minute unpaid break is 8.5 hours on-site, giving 8 paid hours.
Assumptions
- Assumes the entered break is unpaid; paid breaks should be left out of this field.
- Does not calculate penalty rates or overtime — check your award or agreement separately.
How this calculator works
Enter your shift start and finish time plus any unpaid break, and this calculator works out both the total time on-site and the paid hours worked. It's useful for casual and shift workers checking their rostered hours against their payslip.
Frequently asked questions
Are meal breaks always unpaid?
It depends on your award or agreement — enter the unpaid break minutes that apply to your specific arrangement.
What if my shift crosses midnight?
The calculator automatically treats a finish time earlier than the start time as falling the next day.
Does this calculate penalty rates?
No, this calculator only measures shift length; use a dedicated penalty rate calculator to work out pay for weekend or overnight shifts.
Actual entitlements can depend on your award, enterprise agreement, contract, employment status and individual circumstances.