';resHTML+='Decimal Hours: '+decimalHours.toFixed(4)+' hrs
';resHTML+='Gross Pay: $'+grossPay.toFixed(2)+'';if(showSteps){resHTML+='
';resHTML+='Step 2: Deduct '+breakMin+' min break ('+(breakMin/60).toFixed(2)+' hrs).
';resHTML+='Step 3: '+decimalHours.toFixed(2)+' hrs × $'+rate.toFixed(2)+'/hr = $'+grossPay.toFixed(2);resHTML+='
How to Use the Timesheet Calculator
Accurately tracking work hours is essential for both employees and employers. Our timesheet calculator simplifies the process of determining total hours worked and calculating gross pay based on a daily or weekly schedule. This tool is specifically designed to handle the conversion of minutes into decimal format, which is the standard method for payroll processing.
To get started, simply enter your start and end times, any unpaid break durations, and your hourly rate. The calculator will provide a detailed breakdown of your earnings and time segments.
- Start Time (HH:MM)
- The exact time you clocked in or began your shift. Use 24-hour format (e.g., 14:30 for 2:30 PM) for the best results.
- End Time (HH:MM)
- The time you clocked out or finished your shift.
- Lunch/Break (Minutes)
- Any unpaid time spent on breaks. This duration is subtracted from the total time between clock-in and clock-out.
- Hourly Rate
- Your agreed-upon wage per hour of work.
The Importance of Decimal Hours
One of the most common mistakes in manual payroll calculation is trying to multiply hours and minutes directly by a dollar amount. For example, 8 hours and 30 minutes is not 8.3 hours. It is 8.5 hours. Using a timesheet calculator ensures that minutes are correctly converted to decimals so your paycheck is accurate.
Common conversions include:
- 15 minutes = 0.25 hours
- 30 minutes = 0.50 hours
- 45 minutes = 0.75 hours
- 6 minutes = 0.10 hours
How It Works: The Timesheet Formula
The math behind our calculator follows a logical progression to ensure no time is lost. The basic formula is:
Net Hours = ((End Time – Start Time) – Break Duration) / 60
Once the net hours are determined in decimal form, we apply the pay formula:
Gross Pay = Net Hours × Hourly Rate
Calculation Example
Scenario: Sarah works from 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM. She takes a 45-minute unpaid lunch break. Her hourly wage is $22.50.
Step-by-step solution:
- Convert to minutes: 8:45 is 525 minutes from midnight. 5:15 PM (17:15) is 1,035 minutes from midnight.
- Calculate Gross Span: 1,035 – 525 = 510 minutes.
- Subtract Break: 510 – 45 (lunch) = 465 net minutes.
- Convert to Decimal Hours: 465 / 60 = 7.75 hours.
- Final Pay Calculation: 7.75 × $22.50 = $174.38.
Common Questions
Does this calculator handle overtime?
This specific tool calculates daily gross pay. To calculate overtime, you would typically take any hours over 40 in a work week and multiply them by 1.5 times your hourly rate. You can use the decimal hour result from this calculator to help feed into your weekly overtime tracking.
What if my shift crosses midnight?
Our timesheet calculator is designed to detect if the end time is earlier in the day than the start time. If it is, the logic assumes the shift ended on the following day and adds 24 hours to the calculation automatically.
Should I enter my "net" or "gross" rate?
You should enter your gross hourly rate (the amount before taxes and deductions). The result will show your gross pay, which is the total amount the employer pays before taking out income tax, Social Security, or health insurance premiums.