Time Card Calculator / Guide
7 AM to 3:30 PM: How Many Hours?
Breaks · Updated October 8, 2026
By Work Hours Desk editorial team. This guide is an educational calculation example, not a legal determination.
7:00 AM to 3:30 PM is 8:30 elapsed. With a 30-minute unpaid lunch, the worked time is 8:00. With no unpaid break, it is 8:30. In decimals those are 8.00 and 8.50.
Why this matters
A daily schedule alone does not establish a paid-hours total. Enter the actual unpaid minutes on the single-shift calculator and keep paid rest periods in worked time. The DOL fact sheet describes the federal distinction.
Example at a glance
| Entered time or pay | Adjustment | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM–3:30 PM | 30-minute unpaid lunch | 8:00 worked |
Try your own values
Use the related calculator and compare the result with your original time and pay records.
Common questions
Can I use this number for payroll?
Treat it as a check, then verify the relevant pay policy and official records.
Does this replace legal guidance?
No. The linked official agency provides the rule; this page explains an example.
Estimates are for reference only, not payroll or legal advice. Check your records and applicable rules.