How Many Hours Is 8 to 5 with a 1-Hour Lunch?

Breaks · Updated October 8, 2026

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

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM spans nine hours. Subtract a completely unpaid one-hour meal: 9:00 − 1:00 = 8:00 worked. Over five days, that is 40:00 worked.

Check the meal period

A scheduled lunch is not always the same as an actual unpaid break. If work duties continued, check the employer record and the DOL hours-worked guidance before using the deduction.

Example at a glance

Entered time or pay	Adjustment	Result
8:00 AM–5:00 PM	60-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.