How to total a time card
For each day, subtract the start time from the end time and subtract unpaid breaks. Shifts that end after midnight are handled automatically. Add the days for the weekly total.
Converting minutes to decimal hours
| Minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|
| 15 | 0.25 |
| 20 | 0.33 |
| 30 | 0.50 |
| 45 | 0.75 |
Payroll often uses decimal hours. 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours.
Worked example
You work 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. with a 30-minute unpaid lunch, five days a week. Each day is 8 hours 45 minutes minus 30 minutes, or 8.25 hours. The week totals 41.25 hours: 40 regular hours and 1.25 overtime hours. At $22 an hour with time and a half, gross pay is 40 × $22 + 1.25 × $33 = $921.25.
Frequently asked questions
When does overtime apply?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees earn at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. State laws can add more protections.
Are lunch breaks paid?
Bona fide meal breaks of about 30 minutes or more are generally unpaid. Short rest breaks are usually counted as paid work time.
How do I record an overnight shift?
Enter the real start and end times, such as 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The calculator sees that the end time is earlier and counts the hours past midnight.