Three breaks in one shift
Several small breaks should remain separate and add up transparently.
The sample record
| Interval | Type | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–17:00 shift | Shift span | 480 |
| 10:30–10:45 | Unpaid break | 15 |
| 12:00–12:30 | Unpaid break | 30 |
| 15:00–15:15 | Unpaid break | 15 |
Combine the deductions once
The three breaks total one hour. Because they are all inside the shift and do not overlap, their minute values can be added before one deduction from the shift span.
A small change can make the record invalid
If the last break is changed to 12:20–12:35, it overlaps the lunch interval for ten minutes. The correct response is to review those two entries, not silently remove a row or accept both deductions. The unaffected shift and break values should remain available while you fix the conflict.
Use this example
Open related toolFrequently asked questions
Why are three breaks shown separately?
Their dated intervals make the deduction checkable. Fifteen, thirty and fifteen unpaid minutes total sixty minutes, leaving 07:00 from an eight-hour span.
Can two break rows overlap if their sum looks reasonable?
No. Overlapping intervals could deduct the same minutes twice. Keep both rows visible and correct the conflict before finalizing the card.
Sources and method
- NIST SP 330, Section 4, Table 8Time-unit definitions only; not a payroll authority or product endorsement.
- Original worked calculationSynthetic example data, explicit input rules and direct integer-minute arithmetic.
Keep going
Time card calculator with lunch breaks
Subtract unpaid lunch breaks, keep paid breaks included, and review multiple break intervals without double deductions.
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Add dated shifts, multiple paid or unpaid breaks, project labels and notes, and resolve overlaps without losing the record.
Worked time-card examples
Browse twelve checked examples of split shifts, overnight breaks, date boundaries, decimal durations and file review.