How to use this result
Three 12-hour days and five 8-hour days differ in both total hours and the number of trips to work. Two fewer commutes may matter even when the shorter week pays less.
The shift lengths include breaks. If your “8-hour day” actually means eight paid hours plus an unpaid meal period, this fixed 5×8 comparison is not the right representation; use the effective hourly wage calculator for each actual schedule.
The formula
Worked example
Using the example inputs loaded above:
$7.50
Weekly pay difference: 3×12 minus 5×8.
Common questions
Does this include daily overtime?
No. It compares straight-time pay for the two fixed schedules. Apply relevant overtime rules separately.
Why include unpaid breaks in the time denominator?
You still commit that time to the schedule even though it does not generate pay.
Assumptions & references
Amounts use USD. Results are planning estimates using your entries, with dollars rounded only for display. Each tool covers the model described here; it does not determine payroll or tax obligations. Read the calculation methodology.
This is arithmetic based on user-supplied assumptions; it does not use external wage or price data.
Formula version 1.0 · Reference check: September 7, 2026 · Report a calculation issue