Time Clock Conversion Chart
Most time clocks round punches to the nearest quarter hour using the 7/8-minute rule: up to 7 minutes rounds down, 8 or more rounds up. This time clock conversion chart shows exactly which punch minutes map to which quarter, plus the decimal value of each quarter for payroll.
| Punch minutes | Rounds to | Decimal |
|---|---|---|
| :53 – :07 | :00 | .00 |
| :08 – :22 | :15 | .25 |
| :23 – :37 | :30 | .50 |
| :38 – :52 | :45 | .75 |
How to use this time clock conversion chart
Find the minute range containing your punch — for example :08–:22 rounds to :15, and :38–:52 rounds to :45.
Read the rounded quarter your punch becomes — :00, :15, :30, or :45.
Use the decimal column when entering rounded times into payroll (:15 = .25, :30 = .50, :45 = .75).
For unrounded payroll, use our minutes-to-decimal chart instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 7/8 minute rounding rule?
With quarter-hour rounding, the first 7 minutes past a quarter round down and the last 7 round up — so 8:07 becomes 8:00 and 8:08 becomes 8:15. Over time this is neutral to employer and employee.
Is time clock rounding legal?
In the US, yes when it's neutral in practice — it can't systematically round only in the employer's favor. Several states scrutinize rounding more strictly, and exact-minute payment is always safest.
How do rounded times convert to decimal?
Quarters map exactly: :00 = .00, :15 = .25, :30 = .50, :45 = .75 — one reason payroll standardized on quarter-hour rounding.