How Lunch Break Deductions Affect Work Hours
To find net worked time, calculate the full elapsed shift first and subtract only the lunch or break time that is actually unpaid.
Net work-hours formula
Net worked time = elapsed shift − unpaid lunch. For an 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM shift, elapsed time is 9 hours. Subtracting a 60-minute unpaid lunch produces 8 hours worked.
Paid and unpaid breaks
Only subtract time that is unpaid under the policy and rules that apply to you. In the United States, federal guidance distinguishes short compensable breaks from bona fide meal periods; review current Department of Labor break guidance and applicable state rules.
Keep calculations in minutes
Convert the shift and lunch to minutes before subtraction. A 45-minute lunch is 0.75 decimal hour, not 0.45. After subtracting, divide total worked minutes by 60 for the decimal result.
Multiple or interrupted breaks
Add all unpaid break durations before deducting them. If a break was interrupted by work, a simple duration calculator may not reflect the rules that determine whether it is compensable.
The Work Hours Calculator includes 30-, 45-, and 60-minute break presets.