How do I calculate hours between two dates?

Enter the start date-time and end date-time. The calculator subtracts the two timestamps and shows total hours, minutes and seconds.

Does it handle overnight intervals?

Yes. Use full date-time values and the interval can cross midnight, month boundaries or year boundaries.

What is the difference between HH:MM and decimal hours?

HH:MM is a readable hours-and-minutes format. Decimal hours are a number you can use directly in spreadsheets or rate calculations.

Does it subtract breaks automatically?

No. This page measures the full elapsed interval. Use the duration calculator when you need to subtract a break.

Hours and Minutes Between Dates Calculator

Calculate the elapsed hours and minutes between two date-times, with total hours, total minutes, seconds, decimal hours, days and 8-hour shift estimates.

Start date and time

End date and time

Elapsed time between two date-times

English search intent is usually operational: enter a start date-time and an end date-time, then get a clean elapsed-time answer in hours, minutes, seconds and HH:MM format.

Δ t = ∣ t_{e n d} - t_{s t a r t} ∣

Both date-times are interpreted in the browser's local time zone. If the end is before the start, the calculator shows the positive duration and flags the reversed order.

HH:MM, decimal hours and totals

HH:MM is useful for timesheets and readable duration notes.
Decimal hours are useful for spreadsheets, rates and reporting.
Total minutes and seconds support logs, SLA checks and audit trails.
The 8-hour shift estimate is a scale reference only, not an employment-rule calculation.

Same time zone required

Convert both date-times to the same time zone before entering them when the start and end happened in different locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

Calculations are based on the listed reference sources. Links open in a new tab.

Updated: June 2, 2026

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