How Many Hours Is 9 to 5 with a 30-Minute Lunch?

Breaks · Updated October 8, 2026

By Work Hours Desk editorial team. This guide is an educational calculation example, not a legal determination.

From 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM is eight elapsed hours. If the 30-minute lunch is completely unpaid, 8:00 − 0:30 = 7:30 worked, or 7.50 decimal hours. Five identical days total 37:30.

What changes the answer?

If the meal is paid, the worked total may be 8:00. If you worked through part of lunch, do not automatically deduct the full half hour. Federal guidance explains that bona fide meal periods are generally unpaid when the employee is relieved of duty: DOL hours-worked fact sheet.

Example at a glance

Entered time or pay	Adjustment	Result
9:00 AM–5:00 PM	30-minute unpaid lunch	7:30 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.