Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Calculating Work Hours & Pay
Total daily work hours equal the elapsed time between start and end times minus unpaid meal breaks. Gross weekly pay is computed as: (Regular Hours × Base Rate) + (Overtime Hours × Base Rate × 1.5). Overnight shifts spanning past midnight are automatically computed by adding 24 hours to the end time.
How the Hours & Time Card Calculator Operates
1. Shift Time & Decimal Hours Conversion
Minutes are converted into exact decimal fractions: 15 mins = 0.25 hrs, 30 mins = 0.50 hrs, 45 mins = 0.75 hrs. For example, an 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM shift with a 30-minute lunch = 8.5 total elapsed hours - 0.5 lunch = 8.00 billable hours.
2. Standard Overtime Rules (Weekly vs. Daily)
Under FLSA regulations, standard overtime applies to all non-exempt hours worked beyond 40.0 hours in a single 7-day workweek at 1.5× the base hourly wage. Certain states (e.g., California) also mandate daily overtime for hours worked in excess of 8.0 hours in a single workday.
3. Handling Overnight & Graveyard Shifts
When a shift ends at a time earlier on the clock than it started (e.g., starting at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:30 AM the next morning), the calculation automatically adds 24 hours (1,440 minutes) across the midnight boundary to ensure flawless tracking.
Workplace Minutes to Decimal Hours Conversion Table
| Minutes | Exact Fraction | Decimal Hours (Tenths) | Example ($25/hr Pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mins | 1/10 hr | 0.10 hr | $2.50 |
| 12 mins | 2/10 hr | 0.20 hr | $5.00 |
| 15 mins | 1/4 hr | 0.25 hr | $6.25 |
| 30 mins | 1/2 hr | 0.50 hr | $12.50 |
| 45 mins | 3/4 hr | 0.75 hr | $18.75 |
| 60 mins | 1 hr | 1.00 hr | $25.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Time Card Calculations
How are meal breaks deducted from total payroll hours?
Unpaid meal breaks (typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes) are deducted from the gross shift length. Short rest breaks (under 20 minutes) are federally compensable work time in the United States and should not be deducted.
What is time-and-a-half pay?
Time-and-a-half is 150% (1.5×) of an employee's regular hourly rate. For an employee making $20.00/hr, overtime hours are compensated at $30.00/hr.
Is this timesheet calculation saved or sent to employers?
No. All calculations run strictly in your browser. You can export, print, or copy the formatted text summary to your clipboard with complete privacy.