A time card turns clock-in and clock-out times into hours you can be paid for. The two places it usually goes wrong are breaks and overtime, so this guide covers both.
Overtime rules in each country
| Country | Overtime starts | Usual rate |
|---|---|---|
| US | After 40 hours a week (non-exempt employees); some states also count by the day | 1.5× |
| Australia | After 38 ordinary hours a week, or outside the hours in your award | Often 1.5× for the first 2–3 hours, then 2× |
| India | After 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week (OSH Code, in force since 21 November 2025) | 2×, with the worker's consent |
Worked example
Example: US, $25 an hour, Monday to Friday
9:00 to 18:30 with a 30-minute break is 9 hours a day, 45 hours a week.
Regular: 40 × $25 = $1,000. Overtime: 5 × $37.50 = $187.50.
Gross pay: $1,187.50 for the week.
To see what that week's pay means over a year after tax, use the hourly to salary calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Tick the days you worked and enter your in and out times.
- Enter unpaid break minutes for each day.
- Add your hourly rate. Overtime rules fill in for your country, and you can change them.
- Print the time card or copy the totals into your timesheet.
FAQs
Are lunch breaks paid?
Usually not, if you're free to leave your work. In the US, short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes generally count as paid time; longer meal breaks usually don't.
When does overtime start?
In the US, after 40 hours a week for non-exempt employees. In Australia, after 38 ordinary hours or as your award says. In India, under the OSH Code, after 8 hours a day or 48 a week, at twice the ordinary rate.
How do I enter a night shift?
Just enter the start and end times. If the end is earlier than the start, we count it as finishing the next day.
Do I need to convert minutes to decimals?
No, the calculator does it. Each day's hours are shown as decimals, ready for payroll.
Sources
- US Department of Labor: Overtime pay
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Overtime pay
- PIB: Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (in force 21 Nov 2025)
Results are estimates and aren't financial advice. For decisions about your own money, check with a qualified adviser. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.