Daily Prayer Time Calculator
This daily prayer time calculator uses only your local sunrise and local sunset to estimate an approximate schedule for the five daily Islamic prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. It is intended for planning and educational use—for example, when traveling, when you only know sunrise/sunset, or when you want a rough daily structure. Because real prayer times depend on detailed astronomical definitions (twilight angles, solar altitude, equation of time) and jurisprudential differences (madhhab and method choices), these outputs should not be treated as authoritative. Always confirm with a trusted local source (mosque timetable, a recognized app, or knowledgeable guidance) before acting on them.
What this tool does (and does not do)
- Does: take your entered sunrise and sunset times and create a simple, easy-to-read set of estimates for the five prayers.
- Does not: compute solar position from latitude/longitude, choose a fiqh “method,” apply recognized twilight angles, or handle high-latitude adjustments. It also does not determine the full prayer window (start/end), only a single approximate time point for each prayer.
Inputs
- Sunrise (HH:MM): local civil time for your location.
- Sunset (HH:MM): local civil time for your location.
Enter times in 24-hour format. Examples: 05:30, 18:45. If you are in a region observing daylight saving time, enter the times exactly as shown on your clock (the calculator assumes your inputs already reflect the correct time zone/DST).
How the estimates are derived
The calculator is based on a simplified day/night split. Let:
- SR = sunrise time (minutes from midnight)
- SS = sunset time (minutes from midnight)
- D = daylight duration = SS − SR
- N = night duration = 24h − D
The core relationship is:
From there, approximate prayer times can be placed using simple offsets:
- Dhuhr: placed near the middle of the daylight period (a proxy for “after solar noon”).
- Asr: placed later in the afternoon as a fraction of the remaining daylight after Dhuhr.
- Maghrib: placed at (or just after) sunset.
- Fajr/Isha: placed into the night on either side of sunrise/sunset using fixed or proportional offsets. This is not the same as angle-based twilight calculations used by official timetables.
Important: different official methods define Fajr/Isha by solar depression angles (e.g., 18°, 15°, 12°) and define Asr using shadow-length criteria (with madhhab differences). A sunrise/sunset-only model cannot reproduce those definitions; it can only provide a rough planning schedule.
Interpreting the results
- Use the results as an approximate daily outline (e.g., “early morning / midday / afternoon / sunset / evening”).
- If your local timetable differs by 10–40+ minutes (or more), that can be normal—especially for Fajr and Isha, which depend heavily on twilight method and local conditions.
- If sunrise/sunset span across midnight (rare in most locations but possible in extreme latitudes/seasons), this simplified approach may break down or need special handling.
Worked example
Suppose you enter:
- Sunrise: 06:10
- Sunset: 19:55
Convert to minutes from midnight:
- SR = 6×60 + 10 = 370
- SS = 19×60 + 55 = 1195
Daylight duration:
- D = 1195 − 370 = 825 minutes (13h 45m)
Night duration:
- N = 1440 − 825 = 615 minutes (10h 15m)
The calculator then places each prayer at a simple point within these day/night blocks. Your exact displayed times will depend on the tool’s chosen offsets, but the key idea is: Dhuhr/Asr fall within the 06:10–19:55 window; Fajr is before 06:10; Maghrib is at ~19:55; Isha is after 19:55.
Why estimates can differ from mosque/app times
| Factor | What official timetables may do | What this calculator does |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr/Isha definition | Uses twilight angles (e.g., 18°, 15°, 12°) + adjustments | Uses sunrise/sunset-only approximations |
| Dhuhr (solar noon) | Computes true solar noon (equation of time, longitude) | Approximates using the daylight midpoint |
| Asr | Uses shadow-length criteria (madhhab differences) | Places Asr later in the afternoon by a simple fraction |
| High latitudes | Applies special rules (night portion, nearest latitude/day, etc.) | No high-latitude method built in |
| Time zone / DST | Determines correct offset automatically by location/date | Assumes your entered times already match local clock time |
Limitations and assumptions (read before relying on results)
- Planning only: outputs are rough estimates and should not be used as a definitive basis for religious observance.
- Sunrise/sunset-only: no latitude/longitude, date, elevation, or atmospheric model is used; twilight is not calculated.
- No method selection: the calculator does not implement recognized Fajr/Isha angle methods or regional standards.
- Asr madhhab differences not modeled: Hanafi vs. Shafi’i (and related) shadow rules are not computed.
- High-latitude edge cases: very long days/nights or places with persistent twilight can invalidate simplified splits.
- Input responsibility: you must enter correct local civil times (including DST where applicable).
- Rounding: results may be rounded to the nearest minute; small differences are expected.
FAQ
Is this calculator accurate?
It provides approximate planning times based only on sunrise and sunset. For accurate prayer times, use a recognized timetable or app that applies established astronomical and jurisprudential methods.
Which calculation method does it use?
It uses a simplified sunrise/sunset-based segmentation of the day and night. It does not apply standard Fajr/Isha twilight angles or madhhab-based Asr shadow calculations.
Why are my results different from my mosque timetable?
Mosque timetables typically use angle-based twilight calculations, true solar noon, local adjustments, and sometimes safety margins (ihtiyat). Those factors can shift times substantially, especially Fajr and Isha.
Does it handle time zones or daylight saving time automatically?
No. Enter sunrise and sunset exactly as shown on your local clock for that date (including DST if it’s in effect).
Can I use this for travel planning?
Yes—this is one of the intended uses. Treat it as a rough outline and confirm exact prayer times when you arrive or when you have access to an official source.
The Five Daily Prayers
Muslims observe five obligatory prayers each day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. These prayers provide structure, spiritual focus, and a sense of community. Calculating the times can be challenging, especially when traveling or living far from a mosque. This tool uses a simplified method based on sunrise and sunset to estimate when each prayer occurs.
Simplified Calculation Method
Precise prayer times depend on geographic location, solar angle, and local conventions. However, you can approximate them using sunrise and sunset as anchor points. Fajr occurs roughly one hour and thirty minutes before sunrise. Dhuhr is at solar noon, halfway between sunrise and sunset. Asr typically falls about one and a half hours after Dhuhr, while Maghrib begins at sunset. Isha starts approximately one and a half hours after Maghrib. Although this method lacks the precision of specialized apps, it provides a quick estimate for planning your day.
Using the Calculator
Enter the local time of sunrise and sunset in 24-hour format. Press "Calculate Times" to see an estimated schedule. The calculator displays the five prayer times in a convenient list. You can copy the results to your clipboard to save in a notes app or calendar reminder.
Practical Applications
Travelers often face uncertainty about prayer times when crossing time zones. This tool lets you adapt quickly using information from weather forecasts or local sources. Students and busy professionals can also plan breaks around the prayers by checking the times each morning. If you are learning about Islamic practices, experimenting with daily reminders can deepen your understanding and connection.
Example
Suppose sunrise is at 6:30 and sunset is at 18:45. Fajr would be around 5:00, Dhuhr at 12:37, Asr at 14:07, Maghrib at 18:45, and Isha at 20:15. These approximate times offer a framework for devotion throughout the day.
Mathematics Behind the Estimation
The calculator offsets sunrise and sunset to generate prayer times. In MathML, Fajr is , where is sunrise minutes after midnight. Dhuhr occurs at , with representing daylight length. Asr is ; Maghrib equals sunset; and Isha is . These simple additions and subtractions provide a quick approximation without complex astronomy.
Comparison Table
This table contrasts the simplified method with a traditional astronomical approach that measures solar angles.
| Prayer | Simplified Offset | Astronomical Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 90 min before sunrise | Sun at 18° below horizon |
| Dhuhr | Midpoint of daylight | True solar noon |
| Asr | 90 min after Dhuhr | Shadow length rule |
| Maghrib | At sunset | Sunset |
| Isha | 90 min after Maghrib | Sun at 18° below horizon |
Limitations and Assumptions
The approximation assumes 90-minute offsets and equal day-night transitions, which may not hold in polar regions or seasons with extreme daylight variation. Always consult local authorities for official prayer times, especially during Ramadan or for congregational prayers.
Respecting Traditions
Local mosques or regional authorities may calculate times using more precise astronomical data, so always verify with trusted sources. Consider this tool an aid for personal planning rather than an official timetable. Nevertheless, it can serve as a starting point for regular worship or for those exploring Islamic rituals.
Many community centers publish annual prayer timetables. When those schedules are unavailable, this calculator provides a quick fallback so you do not miss a prayer while traveling or during unexpected schedule changes.
History of Prayer Time Calculations
For centuries, scholars developed intricate methods to determine prayer times by observing shadows and celestial bodies. Today, sophisticated software uses geolocation and complex equations, yet the underlying principles remain the same. By understanding the connection between the sun's movement and your daily schedule, you gain insight into a tradition that has guided millions for over a millennium.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a devout practitioner, a new convert, or someone simply interested in learning, setting aside moments for reflection can be transformative. Use this calculator to approximate your daily prayer times, then refine the schedule with local data or more advanced tools. Consistency and intention are key, and every step toward mindfulness is valuable.
Many people find that consistent prayer brings peace and clarity amid daily challenges. Even if your schedule changes, checking approximate prayer times each morning can keep you mindful of spiritual priorities.
Related Calculators
For further planning, explore the Rosary Prayer Cycle Planner and the Intermittent Fasting Planner.