Lunch Break Calculator
Calculate work hours after unpaid lunch breaks. See exactly how many hours you worked and when your break was.
This tool is currently in development. In the meantime, our free time card calculator can handle most of your time tracking needs.
Use Free Time Card CalculatorWhat is a Lunch Break Calculator?
A lunch break calculator computes net hours worked after subtracting an unpaid lunch break from your shift. For example, if you work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a 30-minute unpaid lunch, your net work time is 8.5 hours — not 9 hours.
Are Lunch Breaks Paid or Unpaid?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meal breaks of 30 minutes or more where the employee is completely relieved of duties are generally unpaid. Short rest breaks of 20 minutes or less are typically paid. State laws may differ — some states mandate specific meal break durations and may require that certain breaks be paid.
Lunch Break Laws by State
Many US states have their own meal break laws. California requires a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours. New York requires a 30-minute lunch break for most workers. Illinois requires a 20-minute meal break for shifts over 7.5 hours. Always check your state's specific requirements.
How Lunch Breaks Affect Overtime
Unpaid lunch breaks do not count toward overtime calculations. If you work 8 hours and take a 30-minute unpaid lunch, only 7.5 hours count toward overtime. In states with daily overtime rules (like California), the 30-minute break can mean you stay under the 8-hour threshold and avoid overtime.
Calculating Hours With Multiple Breaks
To calculate hours with multiple breaks, add up all unpaid break durations and subtract them from your total shift time. For example: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM = 9 hours total. Minus 30-minute lunch = 8.5 hours. Minus 15-minute afternoon break (if unpaid) = 8.25 hours net worked.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not replace legal, payroll, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.