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Time Card Calculator: Daily, Weekly, and Biweekly Work Hours
This calculator computes net paid hours from clock-in/out times, accounting for unpaid breaks and overtime thresholds. It supports daily, weekly, and biweekly pay periods with configurable overtime rules.
Enter times and click Calculate to see results.
The calculator shows net paid hours after subtracting unpaid breaks. Overtime is applied based on your selected thresholds. For weekly/biweekly periods, the total is aggregated across all days worked. Verify thresholds with your employer’s policy or labor regulations.
How overtime is applied to your time card
Overtime rules vary by jurisdiction and employer policy. This calculator applies:
- Daily overtime: Hours worked beyond the daily threshold (default 8) are counted as overtime.
- Weekly overtime: For weekly/biweekly periods, hours beyond the weekly threshold (default 40) are overtime, even if no single day exceeds the daily threshold.
- Double counting: Hours that qualify for both daily and weekly overtime are counted only once as overtime.
Assumptions: This calculator assumes:
- All time between clock-in and clock-out is paid except for explicitly entered unpaid breaks.
- Overtime is paid at 1.5x the regular rate (though the calculator only computes hours, not pay).
- Breaks are unpaid and deducted from total hours.
- No split shifts or multiple clock-in/out pairs per day.
Exclusions: Does not account for:
- Paid breaks (if your employer pays for some breaks, do not include them in unpaid break minutes).
- Different overtime rates (e.g., double-time after 12 hours).
- Meal period penalties or other labor law specifics.
- Holiday or premium pay rates.
When not to use: If your pay structure includes shift differentials, multiple pay rates, or complex labor agreements, consult your payroll department or a labor attorney.
Worked examples
Standard 9-to-5 with 1-hour lunch
Clock-in: 09:00, Clock-out: 18:00, Unpaid break: 60 minutes, Daily overtime after 8 hours.
Result: Calculating…
12-hour shifts, 5 days, 30-minute breaks
Clock-in: 07:00, Clock-out: 19:00, Unpaid break: 30 minutes, Weekly overtime after 40 hours, 5 days worked.
Result: Calculating…
8-hour days, no breaks, 10-day biweekly period
Clock-in: 08:00, Clock-out: 16:00, No unpaid breaks, Biweekly period, 10 days worked.
Result: Calculating…
Common pitfalls with time card calculations
Forgetting to subtract unpaid breaks: A 9-hour shift with a 1-hour unpaid lunch is only 8 paid hours. Many employees mistakenly count the full 9 hours.
Double-counting overtime: If your daily threshold is 8 hours and weekly is 40, working 10 hours in a day doesn’t automatically mean 2 hours overtime for the day and 2 hours for the week. The calculator prevents this double-counting.
Ignoring pay period type: Biweekly overtime is calculated over 2 weeks (80 hours by default), not per week. Mixing these up can lead to significant underpayment or overpayment.
Unusual scenarios
24-hour shifts: Some healthcare or emergency workers have shifts longer than 24 hours. The calculator handles this, but verify your employer’s specific overtime rules for such cases.
Zero unpaid breaks: If you have no unpaid breaks, enter 0. The calculator will count all time between clock-in and clock-out as paid hours.
Single day in biweekly period: Working one 12-hour day in a biweekly period with a 40-hour weekly threshold results in 12 regular hours (no overtime) because the weekly threshold isn’t exceeded.
Compare pay period structures
| Pay Period | Overtime Trigger | Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | Hours > daily threshold | Shift workers, daily pay | May miss weekly overtime if daily threshold is high |
| Weekly | Hours > weekly threshold | Most common (e.g., 40-hour workweek) | Daily overtime may be overlooked if weekly is the only threshold |
| Biweekly | Hours > 2× weekly threshold | Companies with biweekly payroll | Overtime may be delayed until the end of the 2-week period |
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my breaks are paid or unpaid?
Check your employment contract, company policy, or ask your HR department. In many jurisdictions, breaks under 20 minutes are typically paid, while longer breaks (like lunch) are unpaid. However, this varies by employer and location.
Can I use this for salaried employees?
No. This calculator is designed for hourly employees with time cards. Salaried employees typically don’t track hours for overtime purposes (unless classified as non-exempt under labor laws).
What if my overtime rate is different (e.g., double-time)?
The calculator computes hours only. To calculate pay, multiply regular hours by your base rate and overtime hours by your overtime rate (e.g., 1.5x or 2x). The calculator doesn’t handle pay rates, only hour totals.
Why does my time card show different hours than this calculator?
Possible reasons: Your employer may have different overtime rules, paid breaks, or rounding policies (e.g., rounding to the nearest 15 minutes). Some systems also automatically deduct meal periods. Compare your employer’s specific rules with the assumptions listed above.
Sources and verification
Calculation and sources checked 2026.
- U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Federal overtime regulations.
- State Labor Offices: For state-specific overtime rules.
Not legal advice: This calculator provides estimates based on general rules. For legal interpretation of overtime laws, consult a labor attorney or your state’s labor department.