Lunch Break Calculator
Enter your shift start, end, and break duration to see total paid hours and daily earnings.
Total shift
8h
Unpaid break
0h 30m
Paid hours
7.50h
How to Calculate Hours Minus Lunch
Total Shift Time = End Time − Start Time
Paid Hours = Total Shift Time − Unpaid Break
Day Pay = Paid Hours × Hourly Rate
Example: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM = 9 hours total. Minus 30-minute unpaid lunch = 8.5 paid hours.
Are Lunch Breaks Paid or Unpaid?
Under the federal FLSA, meal periods during which you are completely relieved of work duties — typically 30 minutes or longer — are not required to be compensated. Short rest breaks of under 20 minutes, however, generally must be paid.
If you are required to remain at your workstation or be available during a meal break, that time is usually considered paid under FLSA. State rules vary — some states have stricter requirements, and some require a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 or 6 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate hours worked minus lunch?
Subtract the unpaid break time from the total shift. 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM is 9 hours. Minus 1-hour unpaid lunch = 8 paid hours.
Is a lunch break legally required?
Not federally — FLSA does not require lunch breaks. Many states do require meal breaks for shifts over a set length. Check your state labor laws for specifics.
What if I work through lunch — do I get paid?
If you are required to work or remain available during your scheduled break, that time should generally be paid. Consult your employer's policy and your state labor board if there's a dispute.