How to Calculate Hours Worked Overnight (Past Midnight)
To calculate a shift that crosses midnight, add 24 hours to the end time, subtract the start time, then subtract unpaid breaks. A shift from 22:00 to 06:30 is (06:30 + 24:00) − 22:00 = 8h 30m.
Why the usual subtraction fails
Subtracting clock times only works when both are on the same day. 06:30 − 22:00 gives −15h 30m, which is the time from 06:30 back to 22:00 the same day. Your shift ended on the next day, so the end time is really 30:30 on the first day's clock.
Step by step
- Write the start and end in 24-hour time: 10:00 PM = 22:00, 6:30 AM = 06:30.
- If the end is earlier than the start, add 24 hours to the end: 06:30 → 30:30.
- Subtract: 30:30 − 22:00 = 8h 30m.
- Take out unpaid breaks: 8h 30m − 30m = 8h.
- For pay, convert to decimal hours: 8h = 8.00, 7h 45m = 7.75.
More examples
- 23:00 to 07:00 = 8h
- 18:45 to 03:15 = 8h 30m
- 21:30 to 06:00 with a 45-minute break = 7h 45m (7.75 hours)
Quick check
Count the hours before midnight and after midnight separately: 22:00 to 24:00 is 2h, 00:00 to 06:30 is 6h 30m, together 8h 30m.
Do it in the app
In Tickulo's Between tab, set the start and end times. When the end is earlier than the start, Tickulo moves it to the next day and shows a "Next day" badge. Set the break with + and −, and the result shows hours, decimal hours and your pay if you added an hourly rate. Save it with a label and it counts toward this week's total.
FAQ
Why do I get a negative number for my night shift?
Because 06:30 minus 22:00 is −15h 30m on one clock. The shift ended on the next day, so add 24 hours to the end time first: 30:30 − 22:00 = 8h 30m.
Do I subtract the break before or after?
After. Work out start to end first, then subtract unpaid breaks: 8h 30m − 30m = 8h.
Is there an app that handles shifts past midnight?
Tickulo's Between tab moves the end to the next day automatically when it is earlier than the start, marks it "Next day", and takes out the break.