timesheets
How to Fill Out a Timesheet (Step by Step, with a Free Printable)
How to fill out a weekly timesheet correctly: dates, clock-in and out times, breaks, totals in decimal, overtime and signatures, plus a free printable timesheet.
- Header. Your name, employee ID or job, the week-ending date and the pay period.
- Each day. Write the date, time in, meal break out and in, and time out. Use AM/PM or 24-hour time consistently.
- Daily total. Out minus in, minus the unpaid meal break. Write it in decimal hours (8.25, not 8:15) if payroll asks for it.
- Week total. Add the days. Mark anything over 40 hours as overtime.
- Notes. Note PTO, holidays, travel between job sites or on-call time.
- Sign and date. Keep a copy or a photo.
Employers must keep accurate records of hours worked for non-exempt employees, but you're allowed to keep your own — and it's smart to.
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Skip the math. Enter your times in the free time card calculator — lunch, overnight shifts and overtime by state included.
Quick answers
Should I write timesheet hours in decimal?
If payroll asks for decimal, yes: 8 h 15 min is 8.25. Otherwise hours:minutes is fine — just be consistent.
Do I have to keep copies of my timesheets?
It isn't required, but it's the best evidence if your pay is ever short.