Time Difference

Elapsed Time Calculator

Use dates

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Time Difference calculate?

The Time Difference Calculator finds the elapsed time between two times or dates. It shows results in hours:minutes, total minutes, or decimal hours. Perfect for calculating durations, event lengths, or time spans.

Can it calculate between two dates?

Yes! Toggle "Use dates" to ON to select specific start and end dates along with times. This allows you to calculate time spans across multiple days.

What if the end time is earlier than the start time?

When "Use dates" is OFF, the calculator automatically treats this as an overnight span (end is the next day). When "Use dates" is ON and "Signed" mode is selected, it will show a negative difference.

Does it handle overnight spans?

Yes! When calculating time-only (no dates), if your end time is earlier than your start time, the calculator automatically assumes the end is the next day. For example, 22:00 to 06:00 calculates as 8 hours.

What's the difference between Elapsed and Signed modes?

Elapsed mode always shows a positive duration (the absolute time between two points). Signed mode can show negative values when the end is before the start (only available with "Use dates" ON), useful for comparing deadlines or past events.

Does it work in my timezone?

Yes, the calculator uses your local timezone automatically. All calculations are performed in your browser using your device's timezone settings.

Is it free? Do I need an account?

Completely free with no signup required. Just open the page and start calculating. No ads, no registration, no limits.

How does daylight saving time affect results?

The calculator uses native JavaScript Date arithmetic which correctly handles DST transitions. If you calculate across a DST change, the actual elapsed time may differ by one hour from what you'd expect. The calculator reflects the true elapsed time.