Streamline payroll processing with our enterprise-grade utility. Calculations happen instantly as you type for maximum efficiency.
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Calculated Result
8.50
Based on 8 hours and 30 minutes
Quick Examples (Click to Try)
Ensure alignment with your organization's rounding policies. Many payroll systems utilize specific rounding rules (e.g., nearest 0.25).
Get started in three simple steps
Choose whether you want to convert time to decimal (8:30 → 8.5) or decimal to time (8.5 → 8:30). Click the swap button in the calculator to toggle between modes. The calculator adapts instantly to your selected conversion direction.
For time-to-decimal: Enter hours and minutes in HH:MM format (like 8:30). You can also include seconds (8:30:45). For decimal-to-time: Enter the decimal number (like 8.5 or 7.75). The calculator accepts various formats and handles them automatically.
Valid Time Formats
Valid Decimal Formats
The calculator automatically converts your input as you type - no submit button needed. Copy the result with one click using the "Copy Result" button, or try the quick examples below the calculator to see how different values convert. Your recent conversions are saved in the history panel for easy reference.
Standard formulas for time conversion
The decimal portion is derived by dividing minutes by the base unit of 60.
Minutes ÷ 60 = Decimal
To revert to standard time, multiply the decimal fraction by the base unit of 60.
Decimal × 60 = Minutes
Converting time (HH:MM:SS) to decimal hours:
Hours + (Minutes ÷ 60) + (Seconds ÷ 3600) = Decimal Hours
Real-world applications across industries
HR and payroll departments convert employee timesheets to decimal format for accurate wage calculations and system compatibility.
Freelancers and consultants track billable hours in decimal format for clearer invoicing and client communication.
Law firms bill in decimal increments (0.1 hour = 6 minutes) to meet ethical billing requirements and client expectations.
Project managers convert time logs to decimal for budget tracking, resource allocation, and team performance analysis.
Healthcare facilities track shift hours, patient care time, and billing in decimal format for accurate record-keeping.
Construction companies convert labor hours to decimal for job costing, prevailing wage compliance, and project billing.
Common workplace scenarios
Input Data
Worked: 8 hours 30 minutes
Calculation
Input Data
Pay Stub: 7.75 hours
Calculation
Quick lookup for common values
| Minutes | Decimal | Minutes | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 min | 0.08 | 35 min | 0.58 |
| 10 min | 0.17 | 40 min | 0.67 |
| 15 min | 0.25 | 45 min | 0.75 |
| 20 min | 0.33 | 50 min | 0.83 |
| 25 min | 0.42 | 55 min | 0.92 |
| 30 min | 0.50 | 60 min | 1.00 |
Free downloads and recommended tools to enhance your workflow
Printable reference chart with all common time-to-decimal conversions. Perfect for posting near your time clock.
download Download PDFSpreadsheet with built-in formulas for automatic time conversion. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
download Download TemplatePocket-sized conversion guide for common values. Print and laminate for daily use.
download Download CardUse this formula in Excel or Google Sheets to convert time to decimal:
=HOUR(A1)+(MINUTE(A1)/60)+(SECOND(A1)/3600)
Where A1 contains your time value (like 8:30). This formula extracts hours, converts minutes and seconds to decimal, and adds them together.
Convert decimal back to time format:
=A1/24
Then format the cell as Time. Where A1 contains your decimal hours (like 8.5).
Disclosure
We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend tools we've evaluated and believe will help you.
Simple time tracking with automatic decimal conversion for invoicing. Perfect for freelancers and small teams.
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Time tracking and scheduling software that integrates with QuickBooks (formerly TSheets). Best for businesses already using QuickBooks products.
*Requires active QuickBooks Online subscription (sold separately)
*Pricing information current as of January 2026. Features and rates may change. Please verify current pricing on vendor websites before purchase.
Technical inquiries & support
Professional time conversion made simple
TimeDecimalConverter.com was created to solve a simple but common problem: converting time between standard format (hours:minutes) and decimal format (decimal hours) for payroll, billing, and time tracking.
After working with numerous businesses struggling with manual time conversions and calculation errors, we built this free tool to make accurate conversion accessible to everyone. Whether you're processing payroll for a team, billing clients for your freelance work, or simply need to understand decimal time, our calculator provides instant, accurate results.
We use the standard mathematical formula for time conversion and test the calculator extensively to ensure 100% accuracy. The conversion logic is based on the sexagesimal (base-60) time system, where 60 minutes equal one hour and 60 seconds equal one minute.
We don't store or track your calculations. All conversions happen in your browser, and we don't collect any personal data or calculation history. Use the calculator with confidence knowing your data stays private.
This tool provides mathematical time conversions only and does not constitute legal, payroll, or compliance advice. Payroll practices, rounding policies, and labor law requirements vary by jurisdiction and organization. Always consult your HR department, payroll provider, or legal counsel regarding compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), state labor laws, and your organization's specific timekeeping policies.
Last Updated: January 2, 2026
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