What is a timesheet?
A timesheet records the hours someone worked over a period: which days, when they started and finished, and what they worked on. Employers use timesheets for payroll; freelancers and contractors use them to show clients exactly what they are paying for.
What to include on a timesheet
- Who worked and who it is for: the worker and the client or employer.
- The period the timesheet covers.
- One row per shift or task: date, start and finish time, breaks and hours.
- A description of the work, so the hours can be checked against the job.
- Rate and totals if you bill by the hour: total hours and total amount.
- Signatures: submitted by the worker, approved by the client or manager.
Timesheet vs invoice
A timesheet shows the hours; an invoice asks to be paid for them. Many clients want to approve a timesheet first. Once they do, convert it into an invoice without retyping a single line. For jobs with materials as well as labour, use a work order.
Not sure what to charge per hour? The freelance rate calculator works it out from your target income, and the salary to hourly calculator converts between hourly and annual pay.