How to use
- Enter in and out punches, one pair per row.
- Pick the rounding interval and whether to round to nearest, always up or always down.
- Compare each rounded punch with the original and the total difference in minutes.
Worked example: The 7-minute rule in action
In 8:07 AM, out 4:52 PM with 15-minute rounding: 8:07 is 7 minutes past 8:00, so it rounds down to 8:00. 4:52 is 7 minutes before 5:00, so it rounds up to 5:00. Rounded span 9:00 versus actual 8:45, a 15-minute gain for the employee.
Second row in 8:08 AM, out 5:09 PM: 8:08 rounds up to 8:15 and 5:09 rounds down to 5:00, 8:45 versus actual 9:01, a 16-minute loss. Over the two rows the difference is −1 minute, which is why the DOL requires rounding to be neutral over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 7-minute rule?
With 15-minute rounding, 1 to 7 minutes past a quarter hour round down and 8 to 14 round up. It is "nearest quarter hour" with the halfway point rounding up (29 CFR 785.48(b)).
Is rounding applied to the total or each punch?
Each punch. Rounding totals is not how the regulation reads and produces different results.
Is always-down rounding legal?
Rounding that consistently favors the employer is not neutral and is generally not compliant. The option is here so you can measure the effect.
What does 6-minute rounding mean?
Tenths of an hour: 8:03 rounds to 8:06 (0.1 h increments). Common in legal and consulting billing.
Does this handle overnight punches?
Yes, an out time earlier than the in time is treated as the next day.
Can I export the comparison?
Yes, as CSV or Excel with actual, rounded and difference columns.