askvity

How Do I Calculate My Hours?

Published in Timekeeping 2 mins read

To calculate your hours worked, you generally subtract your start time from your end time and then deduct any unpaid breaks. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Steps to Calculate Your Hours

  1. Record Your Start and End Times: Accurately note the time you began working and the time you finished. Use a consistent time format (e.g., 24-hour clock or AM/PM).

  2. Subtract Start Time from End Time: Perform the subtraction. This gives you the total time spent at work.

    • Example: If you started at 9:00 AM and finished at 5:00 PM, the initial calculation is 5:00 PM - 9:00 AM = 8 hours.

  3. Account for Unpaid Breaks: Subtract any unpaid breaks you took during your shift.

    • Example: If you took a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, subtract 0.5 hours (30 minutes) from the 8 hours. 8 hours - 0.5 hours = 7.5 hours.

  4. Convert Minutes to Decimals (If Needed): Sometimes, it's easier to work with decimals instead of minutes. To convert minutes to decimals, divide the number of minutes by 60.

    • Example: If you worked for 7 hours and 30 minutes, that's 7 + (30/60) = 7 + 0.5 = 7.5 hours.

Example Calculation

Let's say you worked the following shift:

  • Start Time: 8:30 AM
  • End Time: 5:00 PM
  • Unpaid Lunch Break: 1 hour

Here's how to calculate your total hours:

  1. Total time at work (excluding break): 5:00 PM - 8:30 AM = 8 hours and 30 minutes.
  2. Convert to decimal: 8 hours + (30 minutes / 60) = 8.5 hours
  3. Subtract unpaid break: 8.5 hours - 1 hour = 7.5 hours

Therefore, you worked 7.5 hours.

Tips for Accuracy

  • Use a Time Tracking Tool: Consider using a time clock app, spreadsheet, or other tool to accurately record your hours.
  • Be Consistent: Always use the same time format and rounding conventions.
  • Double-Check Your Work: Review your calculations to ensure accuracy, especially when dealing with multiple breaks or irregular schedules.
  • Know Your Employer's Policy: Understand how your employer handles rounding and break deductions to avoid discrepancies.

By following these steps, you can accurately calculate your hours worked for payroll or personal record-keeping purposes.

Related Articles