How to Calculate Decimal Hours
A step-by-step guide to converting any time value to decimal hours — by hand, in a spreadsheet, or with the calculator on this page.
Formula: Hours + (Minutes ÷ 60)
1h 45m=1.7500 decimal hours
Three Methods to Calculate Decimal Hours
Method 1: Mental Math
For quarter-hour increments, memorize these: 15 min = .25, 30 min = .50, 45 min = .75. For other values, divide minutes by 6 to get tenths (e.g., 42 min ÷ 6 = 7, so approximately .70).
Method 2: Calculator or Spreadsheet
Divide minutes by 60 on any calculator. In Excel/Sheets, multiply the time cell by 24: =A1*24.
Method 3: Online Tool
Use the calculator above. Enter hours and minutes, get instant decimal results at 2, 3, and 4 decimal places with one-click copy.
Practice Examples
3h 20m
3 + (20÷60) = 3.33
6h 50m
6 + (50÷60) = 6.83
1h 07m
1 + (7÷60) = 1.12
9h 55m
9 + (55÷60) = 9.92
When Precision Matters
For standard payroll, 2 decimal places (nearest 0.01 hours = 36 seconds) is sufficient. For legal billing, attorneys often use hundredths (6-minute increments = 0.10). For scientific or engineering applications, 3–4 decimal places may be needed.