PocketCalcs

Time Card Calculator

Automatically deducted from each time entry (e.g., unpaid lunch break)
Hours worked beyond this threshold are calculated as overtime

Frequently Asked Questions

How is overtime calculated?

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), overtime is calculated based on hours worked over 40 in a workweek. The standard overtime rate is 1.5x (time and a half) your regular hourly rate. For example, if you earn $20/hour and work 45 hours in a week:

  • 40 regular hours x $20 = $800
  • 5 overtime hours x $30 (1.5x) = $150
  • Total gross pay = $950

Some employers or states may use double time (2x) for certain overtime situations, such as hours over 12 in a single day in California.

What are the time rounding rules?

The Department of Labor allows employers to round employee time to the nearest 5, 6, or 15 minutes. However, rounding must be neutral over time - it cannot consistently favor the employer. Common rounding methods include:

  • 7-minute rule: Time is rounded down for 1-7 minutes, up for 8-14 minutes
  • Quarter-hour rounding: 1-7 minutes rounds to :00, 8-22 minutes to :15, etc.

This calculator uses exact time calculations without rounding, giving you the most accurate representation of hours worked.

Are employers required to provide breaks?

Federal law (FLSA) does not require employers to provide meal or rest breaks. However, many states have their own requirements:

  • California: 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours; 10-minute paid rest break per 4 hours
  • New York: 30-minute lunch break between 11am-2pm for shifts of 6+ hours
  • Washington: 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours; 10-minute rest break per 4 hours

When breaks are provided, short breaks (5-20 minutes) are typically paid, while meal periods (30+ minutes) are usually unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of duties.

What's the difference between weekly and daily overtime?

Weekly overtime is the federal standard under FLSA - overtime kicks in after 40 hours worked in a 7-day workweek, regardless of how many hours are worked each day.

Daily overtime is required by some states (notably California, Alaska, Nevada, and Colorado) where overtime is paid for hours worked beyond 8 in a single day, even if total weekly hours are under 40.

This calculator uses the weekly overtime method. If your state requires daily overtime, you may need to calculate overtime for each day separately.