Last updated: March 2026
How to Use the Time Card Calculator
Enter your clock-in and clock-out times for each day of the week using the hour, minute, and AM/PM selectors. The calculator automatically computes hours worked per day, subtracting any break time you enter. Use the "Standard 9–5" button to quickly fill in a typical schedule, or "Copy Mon → Weekdays" to replicate Monday's hours across the work week.
The Fair Labor Standards Act requires overtime pay at 1.5x the regular rate for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. Approximately 55% of U.S. workers are eligible for overtime.
Set your overtime threshold (default 40 hours/week), overtime rate (1.5× or 2×), and hourly rate to see a complete pay breakdown. The weekly chart gives you a visual overview of your daily hours with color coding: green for standard hours, yellow for 8–10 hours, and orange for 10+ hours.
Understanding Overtime Rules
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees at least 1.5× their regular rate for hours exceeding 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional rules: California requires daily overtime after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours. Alaska, Colorado, and Nevada also have daily overtime thresholds.
Overtime is calculated on a workweek basis — you can't average hours across multiple weeks (unless you're on a qualifying alternative schedule). Holidays, vacations, and sick days don't count toward the 40-hour overtime threshold unless your employer's policy says otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does overtime work?
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees must receive 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states (like California) also require daily overtime after 8 hours. This calculator uses a configurable weekly threshold — set it to match your state's rules.
Should I include lunch breaks in my hours?
Generally, meal breaks of 30+ minutes where you're completely relieved of duties are unpaid and should be subtracted. Short rest breaks (5–20 minutes) are typically paid time. This calculator lets you enter break minutes per day so they're automatically deducted.
What's the difference between HH:MM and decimal hours?
HH:MM shows hours and minutes (e.g., 8:30 = 8 hours 30 minutes). Decimal hours express the same time as a number (8:30 = 8.50). Payroll systems typically use decimal hours for easier multiplication with hourly rates.
How do I handle overnight shifts?
If your clock-out time is earlier than your clock-in time, this calculator automatically assumes you worked overnight. For example, clocking in at 10:00 PM and out at 6:00 AM calculates as 8 hours (minus breaks).
Is this calculator accurate for payroll?
This calculator provides accurate gross pay estimates before taxes and deductions. Actual take-home pay depends on federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, health insurance, 401(k), and other withholdings. Use this for tracking and estimating — your employer's payroll system handles official calculations.
What counts as 'hours worked' legally?
Hours worked includes all time an employee is required to be on the employer's premises, on duty, or at a prescribed workplace. It also includes training time, travel between job sites, and on-call time if movement is restricted. It does NOT include normal commuting or bona fide meal breaks.