Field guide
How to total several work periods in one day
How to add multiple work periods in one day for a split-shift timecard. Build a timecard without overlaps or double-counted breaks for U.S. workers.
Reviewed 2026-09-12 · Shift Ledger
Treat each worked interval separately
A morning period from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM contributes 4 hours. An afternoon period from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM contributes 3 hours 45 minutes. Together they total 7 hours 45 minutes.
Leave gaps out of the deduction
The hour between noon and 1:00 PM is outside both intervals, so it is already excluded. Do not add a 60-minute unpaid break to either period. Add break minutes only for unpaid time inside an entered interval.
Correct overlaps
If one period ends at 1:00 PM and the next starts at 12:30 PM, 30 minutes appears twice. The timecard identifies an overlap and asks for a correction. Back-to-back periods ending and starting at the same minute are allowed.
Review each weekly total
Five days of 7 hours 45 minutes total 38 hours 45 minutes. Against a 40-hour goal, 75 minutes remains. If the total reaches 41 hours, the goal is exceeded by 1 hour; the tool does not display a negative remaining duration.
Distinguish hours from pay
This total says how much time the entries represent. Pay depends on rates and applicable policies. A shift premium or overtime rule needs its own inputs and cannot be inferred from clock times alone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add split shifts to my timecard?
Add each worked period separately using the "+ Add another work period" button. Each period gets its own start and end time. The calculator totals all periods automatically.
What if my periods overlap?
The calculator detects overlaps and asks you to fix them. Make sure each period ends before the next one starts. Back-to-back periods with the same time are allowed.
Found an issue? Contact the maintainer with the example and expected result. Please omit personal timecards.