Quick formula
The simplest formula is:
Clock-out time = clock-in time + paid hours needed + unpaid break minutes
For example, if you clock in at 9:00 AM, need 8 paid hours, and take a 30 minute unpaid lunch, you would clock out at 5:30 PM.
Common examples
| Clock in | Paid hours | Unpaid break | Clock out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 8 | 30 min | 4:30 PM |
| 9:00 AM | 8 | 30 min | 5:30 PM |
| 10:00 PM | 8 | 30 min | 6:30 AM next day |
What can change the answer?
- Unpaid lunch: unpaid breaks extend your time at work but do not add paid hours.
- Already worked time: if you left and returned, count only the remaining paid hours.
- Rounding rules: some workplaces round to the nearest 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
- Overtime: your end time may create overtime pay if your weekly hours pass the threshold.
This is a planning guide, not legal or payroll advice. Always follow your employer's written policy and local labor rules.