Payroll runs on decimal hours because pay is rate x time, and multiplication needs one unit. Here is the conversion, and the mistake to avoid.
The formula
Decimal hours = hours + (minutes / 60)
- 8 hours 15 minutes = 8 + 15/60 = 8.25
- 8 hours 30 minutes = 8 + 30/60 = 8.5
- 8 hours 45 minutes = 8 + 45/60 = 8.75
- 7 hours 20 minutes = 7 + 20/60 = 7.33
The classic mistake
Writing 8 hours 30 minutes as 8.30. In decimal, .30 means 18 minutes (0.30 x 60), not 30 minutes. At 25 dollars per hour, that mistake shorts you 5 dollars every single shift.
Converting back
The whole number is your hours; multiply the decimal part by 60 for minutes. 9.4 decimal hours = 9 hours and 0.4 x 60 = 24 minutes.
Quick reference
- 15 min = 0.25
- 20 min = 0.33
- 30 min = 0.50
- 40 min = 0.67
- 45 min = 0.75
- 50 min = 0.83
Every minute value from 0 to 59 is on the decimal hours calculator page, alongside a two-way converter — type either format and get the other instantly.
Where this fits in your pay
Decimal conversion is the LAST step of an hours calculation: first total your time and subtract unpaid breaks (the work hours calculator does both), then convert, then multiply by your rate. ShiftFlow does the whole chain automatically for every shift you log.