Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Some states (like California) also have daily overtime rules. Leave the start and end time equal for days not worked.
How to use the Time Card Calculator
- Monday – start
- Monday – end
- Tuesday – start
- Tuesday – end
- Wednesday – start
- Wednesday – end
- Thursday – start
- Thursday – end
- Friday – start
- Friday – end
- Saturday – start
- Saturday – end
- Sunday – start
- Sunday – end
- Unpaid break per working day
- Hourly rate
- Overtime after
- Overtime multiplier
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the start and end time for each day (equal times for days off), the unpaid break per working day, the hourly rate, overtime threshold and multiplier.
Tips
- Track a typical week before planning – real figures beat estimates.
- Break big tasks into smaller pieces and plan buffer time for interruptions.
- Re-run the numbers when your inputs change so plans stay realistic.
- Use results as a guide for decisions, not as a precise prediction.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting calendar days when the deadline is in working days (or the reverse).
- Forgetting breaks, setup and handover time.
- Assuming every day is as productive as your best day.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Monday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Monday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Tuesday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Tuesday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Wednesday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Wednesday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Thursday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Thursday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Friday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Friday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Saturday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Saturday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Sunday – start | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Sunday – end | A clock time (hours and minutes) |
| Unpaid break per working day | In min |
| Hourly rate | Amount in your currency |
| Overtime after | In h/week |
| Overtime multiplier | A number |
What each result means
- Total (h min) = [Total hours worked]
- Regular hours = min([Total hours worked], [Overtime after])
- Overtime hours = max([Total hours worked] – [Overtime after], 0)
- Total pay = [Regular hours]×[Hourly rate] + [Overtime hours]×[Hourly rate]×[Overtime multiplier]
Example values
How the main result changes when Unpaid break per working day changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Unpaid break per working day (min) | Total hours worked |
|---|---|
| 15 | 41.25 |
| 22.5 | 40.63 |
| 30 | 40 |
| 37.5 | 39.38 |
| 45 | 38.75 |
| 60 | 37.5 |
Formula
Daily hours = end − start (overnight shifts wrap past midnight) − unpaid breakOvertime = weekly hours above the threshold (40 h)Pay = regular hours × rate + overtime hours × rate × overtime multiplierWorked example
Inputs — Monday – start: 09:00; Monday – end: 17:30; Tuesday – start: 09:00; Tuesday – end: 17:30; Wednesday – start: 09:00; Wednesday – end: 17:30; Thursday – start: 09:00; Thursday – end: 17:30; Friday – start: 09:00; Friday – end: 17:30; Saturday – start: 00:00; Saturday – end: 00:00; Sunday – start: 00:00; Sunday – end: 00:00; Unpaid break per working day: 30 min; Hourly rate: $20; Overtime after: 40 h/week; Overtime multiplier: 1.5.
Results — Total hours worked = 40; Total (h min) = 40 h 0 min; Regular hours = 40; Overtime hours = 0; Total pay = $800.00; Days worked = 5.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?
End time − start time − unpaid breaks; 9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break is 8 hours.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours for payroll?
Divide by 60: 45 minutes is 0.75 hours.
When is overtime paid?
Federally, for hours over 40 in a workweek at 1.5× the regular rate; some states also have daily limits.
What formula does the Time Card Calculator use?
Daily hours = end − start (overnight shifts wrap past midnight) − unpaid break.