How a timesheet totals up
Each day is the end time minus the start time, less any unpaid break. Days are then summed for the week and split into regular and overtime hours.
Weekly total = Σ Daily hours
Overtime = hours beyond the weekly or daily threshold
Add a sixth day of 6 hours and the week becomes 46 hours: 40 regular plus 6 overtime. At 1.5× that is $1,000 + $225 = $1,225.
Weekly and daily overtime
Two thresholds can apply, and where both exist, hours count as overtime once — never twice.
Weekly overtime
The US federal standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act: 1.5× the regular rate for hours beyond 40 in a workweek. A workweek is any fixed, recurring 168-hour period, and it does not have to align with the calendar week.
Daily overtime
A state-level addition. California requires 1.5× after 8 hours in a day and 2× after 12, plus 1.5× for the first 8 hours on a seventh consecutive workday.
| Jurisdiction | Rule |
|---|---|
| US federal | None — weekly only, after 40 hours |
| California | 1.5× after 8h/day, 2× after 12h/day |
| Alaska, Nevada | 1.5× after 8h/day |
| Colorado | 1.5× after 12h/day |
| India (Factories Act) | 2× after 9h/day or 48h/week |
| UK | No statutory premium; contractual only |
Record-keeping and rounding
US employers must keep payroll records for at least three years, and the records supporting wage computations — timesheets, schedules, records of additions and deductions — for two.
Where records are missing or inadequate, courts generally accept the employee's reasonable estimate. That is a strong reason to keep your own copy of your hours.
Rounding
Rounding to the nearest quarter hour is permitted federally, provided it is neutral over time and does not systematically favour the employer. Rounding that only ever goes down is unlawful. Several states apply stricter standards, and California case law has narrowed the practice considerably.
For a single shift, the hours calculator is quicker. To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the salary calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a weekly timesheet?
Work out each day as end time minus start time, less unpaid breaks. Sum the days, then split the total into regular and overtime hours.
Enter your week above and the calculator handles overnight shifts and both overtime rules.
When does overtime start?
Under US federal law, after 40 hours in a workweek, paid at 1.5×. Some states add a daily threshold — California requires 1.5× after 8 hours in a day.
Where both rules apply, an hour counts as overtime once, not twice.
Do unpaid breaks count toward hours worked?
Generally not, if you are fully relieved of duty. Under US federal rules, meal periods of 30 minutes or more are unpaid, while breaks under 20 minutes are compensable.
If you are required to stay at your station or remain on call, it usually counts as work time.
How do I handle a shift that crosses midnight?
Enter the times as they are — the calculator detects that the end time is earlier than the start and adds 24 hours automatically.
For overtime purposes the hours are normally attributed to the day the shift began, though employer policy varies.
Can my employer round my hours?
In the US, to the nearest quarter hour, provided the rounding is neutral over time. Consistently rounding down is unlawful.
Some states are stricter, and recent California decisions have limited rounding significantly.