How to Check a Timesheet for Errors
A reliable timesheet check compares the recorded start and end times with the schedule or approved time records, verifies break deductions, and confirms the totals. Review unusual shifts rather than relying only on the final number.
Practical timekeeping guide · ShiftHours
Check missing or duplicated punches
Look for a missing clock-in, missing clock-out, duplicate entry, or shift assigned to the wrong date. Resolve gaps using an approved record instead of guessing a time.
Keep notes of corrections so another person can understand why the entry changed.
Verify break deductions
Confirm that each unpaid break is entered once and that paid breaks are not deducted incorrectly. Compare the break duration with the original record and the applicable workplace policy.
A break mistakenly deducted twice can understate the hours worked.
Check overnight and long shifts
For shifts crossing midnight, confirm the end date and ensure the elapsed time is calculated across two dates. Investigate totals that seem unusually long or short.
Use a manual split at midnight to verify an overnight shift if the result looks suspicious.
Recalculate totals
Add daily net hours and compare them with the weekly or pay-period total. Avoid rounding each day early unless required. Use the ShiftHours calculator to cross-check individual durations.
Use the free ShiftHours work hours calculator to calculate shift length, subtract unpaid breaks, and view decimal hours. For weekly totals, try the weekly calculator.
A quick reconciliation example
If a shift is recorded as 9:00 AM–5:00 PM with a 30-minute unpaid break, the expected net total is 7.5 hours. If the timesheet shows 8 hours, check whether the break was omitted or whether the system treats it as paid.
Related resources
Open the work hours calculator · Browse all ShiftHours articles · Decimal hours chart