How to use it
- Enter clock-in, lunch-out, lunch-in and clock-out punches. Lunch punches are optional.
- Choose your employer's rounding rule. With 15 minutes, a punch 7 minutes or less after the quarter rounds back and 8 or more rounds forward.
- Compare the rounded total with no rounding to see the difference.
The formula
Rounded punch = nearest multiple of the step (ties round up)
Day = (lunch out − in) + (out − lunch in) using rounded punches
Example: Punch in 8:07 → rounds to 8:00; punch out 4:38 → rounds to 4:45 with 15-minute rounding. Unrounded that's 8:31, rounded 8:45.
Good to know
- Federal rules (29 CFR 785.48) allow rounding to the nearest 5, 6 or 15 minutes only if, over time, it doesn't shortchange employees.
- California courts have restricted rounding; check your state's rules if your paid hours always come out lower.
- Keep your own record of punches. It's the easiest way to spot pay errors.
Questions
What is the 7-minute rule?
With 15-minute rounding, punches 1 to 7 minutes past a quarter hour round down and punches 8 to 14 minutes past round up. Clocking in at 8:07 counts as 8:00; at 8:08 it counts as 8:15.
Is time clock rounding legal?
Under federal law, yes, if it's neutral: it has to round both up and down so employees are fully paid over time. Rounding that only ever favors the employer is not allowed.
How do I add up time clock hours?
Subtract each in-punch from the next out-punch, add the pieces for the day, then add up the days. Use decimal hours to multiply by your rate.