How to calculate hours worked with a lunch break
Work out the time before lunch and the time after lunch, then add them together.
- Morning: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM is 4 hours.
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM is 4 hours.
- Total: 8 hours worked, with a 30-minute lunch.
Another way is to work out the full day from clock-in to clock-out, then subtract the length of lunch. Both ways give the same answer.
Is lunch paid?
In the United States, federal law does not require employers to offer a lunch break. Many states do, and rules vary. Short breaks (usually 20 minutes or less) are generally paid. Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more are usually unpaid if you are fully relieved of your duties. Check your state's labor department or your employer's handbook for the rules that apply to you.