Real-time Professional Calculation

Instant Time & Decimal Conversion

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)

history Recent Activity

Just now 08:30 → 8.50
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Quick Reference

Minutes Decimal
15 min 0.25
30 min 0.50
45 min 0.75
View Full Table →
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Compliance Tip

Ensure alignment with your organization's rounding policies. Many payroll systems utilize specific rounding rules (e.g., nearest 0.25).

How to Use the Time Decimal Converter

Get started in three simple steps

1

Select Conversion Mode

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.

2

Enter Your Time Value

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

8:30
08:30
8:30:45

Valid Decimal Formats

8.5
8.50
7.75
3

Get Instant Results

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.

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Calculation Methodology

Standard formulas for time conversion

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Minutes to Decimal

The decimal portion is derived by dividing minutes by the base unit of 60.

Minutes ÷ 60 = Decimal
Example: 30 ÷ 60 = 0.50
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Decimal to Minutes

To revert to standard time, multiply the decimal fraction by the base unit of 60.

Decimal × 60 = Minutes
Example: 0.75 × 60 = 45 mins

The Complete Formula

Converting time (HH:MM:SS) to decimal hours:

Hours + (Minutes ÷ 60) + (Seconds ÷ 3600) = Decimal Hours
Example Input
8:30:00
Calculation
8 + (30÷60) + (0÷3600)
Result
8.50

When to Use This Converter

Real-world applications across industries

payments

Payroll Processing

HR and payroll departments convert employee timesheets to decimal format for accurate wage calculations and system compatibility.

  • check Convert timesheets to payroll format
  • check Calculate overtime in decimal hours
work

Freelance Billing

Freelancers and consultants track billable hours in decimal format for clearer invoicing and client communication.

  • check Create accurate invoices
  • check Track billable vs. non-billable time
gavel

Legal Services

Law firms bill in decimal increments (0.1 hour = 6 minutes) to meet ethical billing requirements and client expectations.

  • check Bill in 6-minute (0.1) increments
  • check Generate detailed time reports
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Project Management

Project managers convert time logs to decimal for budget tracking, resource allocation, and team performance analysis.

  • check Track project hours budgets
  • check Analyze team productivity
medical_services

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities track shift hours, patient care time, and billing in decimal format for accurate record-keeping.

  • check Calculate shift differentials
  • check Track patient contact hours
construction

Construction

Construction companies convert labor hours to decimal for job costing, prevailing wage compliance, and project billing.

  • check Track labor costs per job
  • check Calculate prevailing wage hours

Practical Applications

Common workplace scenarios

Scenario 1: Timesheet Entry

Case Study

Input Data

Worked: 8 hours 30 minutes

Calculation

  • 30 mins ÷ 60 = 0.5
  • Total = 8.50 hours

Scenario 2: Payroll Verification

Case Study

Input Data

Pay Stub: 7.75 hours

Calculation

  • 0.75 × 60 = 45 mins
  • Total = 7 hours 45 mins

Conversion Reference Tables

Quick lookup for common values

Minutes to Decimal Conversion

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

Related Tools & Resources

Free downloads and recommended tools to enhance your workflow

Free Downloadable Resources

description

Conversion Chart PDF

Printable reference chart with all common time-to-decimal conversions. Perfect for posting near your time clock.

download Download PDF
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Excel Template

Spreadsheet with built-in formulas for automatic time conversion. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.

download Download Template
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Quick Reference Card

Pocket-sized conversion guide for common values. Print and laminate for daily use.

download Download Card

Excel & Google Sheets Formulas

functions Time to Decimal Formula

Use 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.

functions Decimal to Time Formula

Convert decimal back to time format:

=A1/24

Then format the cell as Time. Where A1 contains your decimal hours (like 8.5).

Recommended Time Tracking Software

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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.

Toggl Track

Simple time tracking with automatic decimal conversion for invoicing. Perfect for freelancers and small teams.

  • check_circle Automatic decimal time conversion
  • check_circle Invoice generation with decimal hours
  • check_circle Free plan available
Starting at $9/user/month Learn More →

Harvest

Time tracking and invoicing combined. Great for consultants who need clean, professional billing.

  • check_circle Integrated invoicing system
  • check_circle Expense tracking included
  • check_circle Free trial available
Starting at $11/user/month Learn More →

Clockify

Free time tracking for unlimited users. Ideal for teams that need decimal time reports.

  • check_circle Unlimited users on free plan
  • check_circle Decimal time exports
  • check_circle Team scheduling features
Free forever Learn More →

QuickBooks Time

Time tracking and scheduling software that integrates with QuickBooks (formerly TSheets). Best for businesses already using QuickBooks products.

  • check_circle GPS tracking and geofencing
  • check_circle Mobile time tracking
  • check_circle Project and mileage tracking
Base: $20/mo + $8/user Learn More →

*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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical inquiries & support

What is decimal time format? expand_more
Decimal time format represents time as a decimal number rather than hours and minutes. For example, 8:30 (8 hours 30 minutes) becomes 8.5 in decimal format. This format is commonly used in payroll systems, billing software, and time tracking applications.
Why doesn't 1h 50m equal 1.50? expand_more
Time follows a sexagesimal system (base-60), whereas decimals follow a base-10 system. 50 minutes represents 50/60ths of an hour, which equals approximately 0.83. Therefore, 1h 50m equates to 1.83 decimal hours.
How are seconds handled? expand_more
Divide total seconds by 3600 (60 seconds × 60 minutes). For instance, 30 seconds equals 30/3600 = 0.0083 hours. Add this value to your minute decimal for high-precision time tracking.
Is this tool compliant for payroll? expand_more
While mathematically accurate, payroll compliance depends on organizational policy. Verify whether your employer rounds to the nearest quarter-hour (0.25, 0.50) or uses precise decimal calculation. Always check with your HR department.
How do I convert 8 hours and 30 minutes to decimal? expand_more
To convert 8:30 to decimal: Take the hours (8) and add the minutes divided by 60 (30 ÷ 60 = 0.5). Result: 8 + 0.5 = 8.5 decimal hours. You can also use our calculator at the top of this page for instant conversion.
Can I use the calculator on my phone? expand_more
Absolutely! The calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on smartphones and tablets. The interface is touch-optimized for easy mobile use with no app download required.
Is the calculator free to use? expand_more
Yes, this calculator is completely free to use with no registration, no hidden fees, and no limitations. Use it as many times as you need for personal or professional purposes. We don't collect or store your data.
What's the decimal equivalent of 15 minutes? expand_more
15 minutes = 0.25 decimal hours. This is calculated as 15 ÷ 60 = 0.25. Other common conversions: 30 minutes = 0.50, 45 minutes = 0.75, 60 minutes = 1.00.
How do I handle overtime in decimal format? expand_more
Convert your overtime hours the same way as regular hours. If someone works 10:30, that's 10.5 decimal hours. For overtime calculation, you'd typically split this: 8 regular hours + 2.5 overtime hours. The calculator helps you convert any time value, and you can then apply your overtime rules.
Do you store my conversion data? expand_more
No, we don't store any of your data. All conversions happen in your browser locally. The recent activity history is stored only in your browser's memory and disappears when you close the page. We respect your privacy and don't collect or transmit any calculation data.
Are there legal requirements for payroll rounding? expand_more
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers may round time entries, but only if applied neutrally and consistently. The common "7-minute rule" rounds 1-7 minutes down and 8-14 minutes up to the nearest quarter hour. However, rounding must not systematically favor the employer. Some states have additional restrictions beyond federal law. Always consult your organization's HR policies and local labor laws to ensure compliance. This calculator provides mathematical conversions only and does not constitute legal or compliance advice.

About TimeDecimalConverter.com

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.

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Our Accuracy Guarantee

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.

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Your Privacy Matters

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.

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Legal Disclaimer

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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