Skip to content

Working time calculator

Contents

What is a working time calculator?

A working time calculator is a digital tool that calculates the daily or weekly working time based on the start and end of working hours and breaks. A distinction is made between gross working time (including breaks) and net working time (excluding breaks). These calculators help employees to record the hours they have worked and to check compliance with legal requirements.

Use the working time calculator

Working time calculator

Examples for calculating working time

The working time is calculated by subtracting the breaks from the total working time.

  • Example 1: Start of work at 08:00, end of work at 17:00, 1 hour break → net working time: 8 hours.
  • Example 2: Start of work at 09:00, end of work at 18:00, 45-minute break → net working time: 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Some working time calculators offer the option of displaying the working time in hours and minutes as well as in decimal numbers, which makes it easier to process the data.

Do online working time calculators fulfill the time recording obligation?

Since the ruling of the Federal Labor Court in 2022, there has been an obligation to record working hours in Germany. No specific form is prescribed; recording can be done manually or electronically. It is important that Time & Attendance is objective, comprehensible and accessible to employees.

Online working time calculators can help to fulfill this obligation, especially in small companies or with flexible working time models. However, they reach their limits with more complex requirements, such as the management of overtime or integration into payroll accounting systems.

Advantages of digital time recording systems such as ZMI

Digital time recording systems offer numerous advantages over simple working time calculators.

  • Automation: Working times are automatically recorded and processed, which reduces the administrative workload.
  • Real-time data: Managers and employees have access to up-to-date working time information at all times.
  • Integration: Digital systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing HR and payroll systems.
  • Legal certainty: Compliance with legal requirements is supported by automatic checking mechanisms.
  • Flexibility: Employees can record their working hours regardless of location, which is particularly advantageous for mobile working models.

Conclusion

Working time calculators are useful tools for the simple calculation of working time. For companies that require comprehensive, automated and legally compliant Time & Attendance, digital systems such as those from ZMI offer an effective solution.

Note on the content
The information on this website has been compiled with care and to the best of our knowledge. It is intended solely as general, non-binding information – including on legal topics. It is no substitute for individual legal advice. We assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content.