Timesheet vs. Timecard — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 3, 2024
Timesheets track total hours worked over a period and often include details on project or task specifics, while timecards record the exact times an employee clocks in and out.
Difference Between Timesheet and Timecard
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Timesheets are detailed records used primarily for project management and billing purposes, where employees log the amount of time spent on various tasks or projects. Whereas timecards are simpler, focusing primarily on the start and end times of an employee's workday, used mainly for payroll.
Timesheets often allow for a more nuanced view of how work time is allocated across different activities, making them crucial for resource planning and analysis. On the other hand, timecards provide a straightforward, binary record of attendance and total work hours, facilitating straightforward wage calculations.
Many timesheets are now digital and can integrate with other project management tools, offering insights into productivity and resource use. In contrast, timecards, whether physical or digital, typically serve a singular function of tracking hours for payroll purposes.
Timesheets can be adaptable to include additional information such as job codes, client information, and detailed descriptions of tasks. Whereas timecards generally maintain a format that includes only the essential details required for verifying attendance and processing payroll.
Timesheets require a higher level of engagement from the employee, necessitating detailed entries and often a summary of work accomplished. In contrast, timecards are more passive, requiring only clock-in and clock-out actions from the employee.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Project management, billing
Payroll processing
Detail Level
High: includes task-specific hours
Low: records only clock-in and clock-out times
Integration
Often integrates with project management software
Typically standalone or integrated with payroll systems
Required Interaction
Active: detailed logging
Passive: minimal interaction
Data Included
Hours per task/project, job codes, client information
Start and end times, possibly job codes
Compare with Definitions
Timesheet
Used in project management to assess work efficiency and resource allocation.
The manager reviewed the timesheet to adjust project timelines.
Timecard
Essential for compliance with labor regulations regarding work hours.
The company audits timecards regularly to ensure compliance with overtime laws.
Timesheet
Often digital and can include detailed descriptions of tasks.
His timesheet included notes on challenges faced during the design phase.
Timecard
A card used to record the times an employee clocks in and out of work.
Lisa punched her timecard at 8 AM and 5 PM.
Timesheet
May require approval from a supervisor or manager.
Tom submitted his timesheet for approval before the payroll deadline.
Timecard
Can be physical (punch card) or digital (electronic time tracking).
Employees use their IDs to log into the digital timecard system.
Timesheet
Integral to professional sectors like consulting, where billing is tied to detailed time tracking.
Consultants update their timesheets daily to maintain accurate billing.
Timecard
Primarily used for calculating payroll hours.
The payroll clerk processed payments based on the weekly timecards.
Timesheet
A document or tool for recording the amount of a worker's time spent on each job.
Jane filled out her timesheet with hours allocated to different projects.
Timecard
Typically lacks detailed breakdowns of how work hours are spent.
His timecard showed 40 hours worked, with no detail on specific tasks.
Timesheet
A timesheet (or time sheet) is a method for recording the amount of a worker's time spent on each job. Traditionally a sheet of paper with the data arranged in tabular format, a timesheet is now often a digital document or spreadsheet.
Timecard
A card, either filled out by an employee or stamped by a time clock, recording the employee's starting and quitting times each work day.
Timesheet
A document that allows for the recording of hours worked on various tasks that is used as input for payroll, project accounting or client billing processes.
Timecard
An official electronic record serving this purpose.
Timecard
A card, stamped by a time clock, that records the times when an employee starts and stops work
Timecard
A card recording an employee's starting and quitting times each work day
Timecard
A card used with a time clock to record an employee's starting and quitting times each day
Common Curiosities
Can timesheets be used for payroll?
Yes, timesheets can be used for payroll, especially in contexts where pay is based on task completion or project involvement.
What is the primary purpose of a timesheet?
To track the amount of time an employee spends on various tasks, often for project management and billing purposes.
What type of businesses typically use timesheets?
Professional services, consulting firms, and any project-based businesses typically use timesheets to track and bill work accurately.
What information is crucial on a timecard?
The employee's start and end times are crucial, along with any breaks or overtime worked.
Do all businesses require timesheets or timecards?
Most businesses with employees will use some form of time tracking, whether timesheets or timecards, depending on their operational needs.
How do timesheets benefit project management?
Timesheets provide detailed insights into how much time is spent on specific aspects of a project, aiding in resource allocation and efficiency assessments.
What is the typical format of a timecard?
Timecards typically show the date, start time, end time, and sometimes job codes or department codes.
Why might a business prefer timesheets over timecards?
Businesses needing detailed breakdowns of how employees spend their work hours for billing or project management might prefer timesheets.
Are digital timecards becoming more common?
Yes, digital timecards are increasingly common as they integrate easily with payroll systems and offer more reliability and accuracy than manual punch cards.
Is a timecard the same as a punch card?
Essentially, yes. A punch card is a type of timecard that employees use to stamp their start and end times.
How does a timecard differ from a timesheet in terms of detail?
A timecard records just the start and end times of work, whereas a timesheet includes detailed task-specific hours.
How do timecards help in payroll processing?
Timecards simplify payroll processing by providing clear, concise records of hours worked, essential for accurate wage calculations.
How do digital timesheets enhance productivity?
Digital timesheets can enhance productivity by allowing for easy tracking, analysis, and adjustment of work allocations and employee efficiency.
Can timesheets be integrated with other business systems?
Yes, many digital timesheets can integrate with project management, billing, and resource planning tools.
Are there legal implications for incorrect time tracking on timecards?
Yes, incorrect or fraudulent time tracking can lead to legal repercussions, especially concerning wage and hour laws.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
