Frequently asked questions
Everything about calculating work hours, overtime rules, meal break deductions — and about how ShiftTimeCard works.
Calculating Work Hours & Overtime
What is the standard overtime rule in the United States?+
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA 29 U.S.C. § 207), covered non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for any hours worked past 40.00 in a standard 7-day workweek at a rate of at least 1.5 times (time-and-a-half) their regular rate of pay.
How do unpaid lunch breaks work?+
Under federal law (29 CFR § 785.19), bona fide meal periods lasting 30 minutes or longer are unpaid provided the employee is completely relieved of all job duties. If you are required to perform any work during lunch, the entire period must be counted as paid time.
Are 15-minute breaks paid or unpaid?+
Short rest breaks ranging from 5 to 20 minutes are customary in business and, under 29 CFR § 785.18, must be counted as compensable paid work hours. Employers cannot deduct 15-minute breaks from your paycheck.
How do I convert work minutes into decimal hours for payroll?+
Divide the number of minutes by 60 and append to your whole hours. For example, 45 minutes equals 0.75 hours (45 ÷ 60 = 0.75). Standard payroll software requires decimal figures to multiply against currency rates.
What is the 7-minute payroll rounding rule?+
Under 29 CFR § 785.48(b), employers using a 15-minute increment round clock times between 1 and 7 minutes down to the nearest quarter hour, and times between 8 and 14 minutes up to the next quarter hour. The law mandates this rule be applied neutrally to both clock-ins and clock-outs.
Can I calculate overnight shifts that go past midnight?+
Yes. ShiftTimeCard automatically recognizes overnight shift transitions (e.g., 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM) and accurately calculates the 8.00-hour elapsed duration without date entry errors.
What is the difference between 12-hour and 24-hour time?+
Standard 12-hour format runs in two cycles with AM and PM markers. 24-hour military format runs continuously from 00:00 to 23:59, which prevents punch confusion for split and graveyard shifts.
Using ShiftTimeCard
Is ShiftTimeCard really free?+
Yes, 100% free with no usage caps, no tier limits, and no subscription fees.
Do I need an account to use the calculators?+
No account or registration is required. You can total hours, verify overtime, and export reports instantly without providing an email address.
Do you store my payroll or timesheet data?+
No. ShiftTimeCard operates completely client-side in your browser. None of your hours, pay rates, employee names, or shift entries are transmitted to or stored on external servers.
Can I print or export my timesheet for my employer?+
Yes. You can click "Print / PDF Timesheet" to generate a clean, official single-page document with supervisor signature lines, or click "Export CSV" to import your logs directly into Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
How accurate are the calculation algorithms?+
ShiftTimeCard performs calculations using pure JavaScript IEEE-754 precision math with standard two-decimal payroll rounding, ensuring 100% accuracy compliant with US Department of Labor standards.
Does ShiftTimeCard work on mobile devices?+
Yes. All calculators, tables, and time pickers are fully responsive and optimized for mobile screens, tablets, and desktop workstations.
Still have questions?
Explore our comprehensive FLSA compliance guide or try any of our 5 free payroll calculators.