Harvest
Time Tracking
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Hours Worked Formula

Struggling with accurate work hour calculations? Harvest simplifies time tracking with automated tools, ensuring compliance and precision.

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Calculate the difference between two times

Enter a start and end time to get the exact duration in hours, minutes, and decimal hours. Overnight shifts handled automatically.

Lunch or other break to subtract from the total.
Duration 8h 30m
Decimal hours 8.50
After break 8h 00m
Net minutes 480

Track your time automatically with Harvest

How this time duration calculator works

It measures the time between two clock readings and subtracts any break.

  • Duration = end time − start time (overnight shifts add 24 hours).
  • After break = duration − break minutes.
  • Decimal hours = total minutes ÷ 60.

Calculate Hours Worked with Harvest

See how Harvest tracks hours worked with automated timers and detailed reports, ensuring precise payroll and compliance.

Harvest dashboard showing time tracking for calculating hours worked.

Hours Worked Formula FAQs

  • To manually calculate hours worked, record the clock-in and clock-out times, convert the times to a 24-hour format, and convert minutes to decimals. Subtract the start time from the end time and deduct unpaid breaks. For example, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a 30-minute break, the hours worked are 8.

  • Under the FLSA, hours worked include all time an employee is required to be on duty or on the employer's premises. This includes time spent on tasks "suffered or permitted" to be performed, even if not requested, and certain on-call and waiting times.

  • Harvest offers automated time tracking with one-click timers and manual entry. This ensures accurate tracking of hours worked, supporting flexible work models and compliance with labor laws. Harvest integrates with tools like Asana and Slack for seamless workflow management.

  • Calculate overtime pay by determining the total hours worked in a week, identifying hours over 40, and applying the 1.5x overtime rate. For example, if 45 hours are worked at a $20/hour rate, the overtime pay is 5 hours x $30 (overtime rate) = $150.

  • Best practices include using reliable time tracking methods like Harvest, understanding FLSA guidelines, maintaining accurate records, and setting clear policies in employee handbooks. Consistency in applying workweek definitions and calculation methods is crucial.

  • In Excel, input start and end times, convert them to decimal format, and subtract to find hours worked. Use formulas to automate calculations, accounting for unpaid breaks. Excel can be a powerful tool for tracking and managing hours worked.

  • Yes, Harvest tracks both billable and non-billable hours with flexible per-project and per-person rates. This enables businesses to manage projects effectively and optimize billing processes.