Free timesheet template

Track hours easily with this free employee timesheet template. Using a time card template ensures accurate records for payroll, billing, and project management. Customize this printable timesheet template to your employees' needs and you're ready to go.

A blank timesheet template with fields for users to fill out.

An easy-to-use, simple timesheet template

This simple format is easy for your employees to use and understand. Simply note the day and hours worked.

Daily, weekly, or monthly timesheet templates

Choose a timesheet that matches your pay cycle so you can easily see hours you’ve logged.

Customizable project timesheet template

Use this template to track payroll hours, and to track time spent on projects so you can calculate ROI.

Download the free timesheet template

Fill in the form to get a timesheet template as an editable PDF.

Why use a timesheet?

A timesheet shows you and your employees how many hours they’ve logged during the pay period. It makes sure your payroll is accurate, and ensures you have records for compliance with tax and labor regulations.

  • Included
    Accurately track the start and end of your employees' shifts as well as breaks
  • Included
    Quickly and easily add up hours to enter into your payroll system
  • Included
    Keep clear records of hours logged to prevent confusion, mistakes, or employee disputes
Find out more about tracking time with Xero
Image shows time being tracked with a stopwatch next to an accounting software dashboard.

Types of timesheet templates

Different types of templates help you track hours over different time periods or for different types of projects.

Weekly timesheet

Have employees enter their hours throughout the week, and then use the timesheet to do payroll

Download the weekly timesheet template

Monthly timesheet

If you run payroll monthly, use this timesheet so that you never miss an hour or lose track

Download the monthly timesheet template

Daily timesheet

Use the daily timesheet template to create a detailed log of time spent on different projects

Download the daily timesheet template

Project-based timesheet

Great if you're billing by the hour or tracking time to calculate ROI for a project.

Employee timesheet

Employee timesheet templates keep you and your team on the same page with time tracking.

Freelancer timesheet

Helps you track hours for remote teams and freelancers.

How to use the timesheet template

Download the template and customize it to your needs, then print it and fill it out. Or note hours as you go and save the template to your computer.

Download and complete the template

Download the timesheet template PDF and save it to your computer or tablet.

Format the template to your needs

Customize the template to create a format that works for your employees or freelancers, or for tracking projects.

Monitor the hours on your timesheets

Use completed timesheets to track productivity by the time spent on projects or by employees.

Read our guide on how to increase your productivity.
Image shows time being tracked with a stopwatch next to an accounting software dashboard.

Example format for your timesheet

Use this example timesheet to figure out the best way to set up timesheets for your business. Copy and modify elements to create the perfect timesheet for your employees or your next project.

  • Included
    Create fields so employees or freelancers can enter relevant details, such as name, time period, or project.
  • Included
    Edit headings and categories to reflect your payroll or invoicing periods.
  • Included
    Think of innovative ways to use the timesheet to improve your business’s organization and productivity.
Image shows time being tracked as some uses accounting software on their laptop.

FAQs

A timesheet is a document, usually set up like a table, that allows an employee or freelancer to track time spent working for a client or employer, or the hours spent on a project. A time card tracks when the worker starts and leaves, and is traditionally stamped by a time clock. Timesheets are better for tracking time over longer periods, while time cards track daily or weekly hours.

A timesheet is a document, usually set up like a table, that allows an employee or freelancer to track time spent working for a client or employer, or the hours spent on a project. A time card tracks when the worker starts and leaves, and is traditionally stamped by a time clock. Timesheets are better for tracking time over longer periods, while time cards track daily or weekly hours.

An online timesheet is more convenient, more secure, and more environmentally friendly than a paper timesheet. It safeguards accuracy, makes record-keeping more efficient, and integrates with payroll and accounting software. And with the right program, an online timesheet can facilitate real-time and geo-based time tracking.

Check out why your business needs online timesheets

An online timesheet is more convenient, more secure, and more environmentally friendly than a paper timesheet. It safeguards accuracy, makes record-keeping more efficient, and integrates with payroll and accounting software. And with the right program, an online timesheet can facilitate real-time and geo-based time tracking.

Check out why your business needs online timesheets

Consider the elements you want to track and make them easy to find on the timesheet. Then fill out each section with the date, employee name, start and end times, breaks, and total hours. If you’re tracking a project, specify the project components to track and break down the timesheet accordingly. For instance, you could separately track billable and admin hours. Just make sure you're complying with local record-keeping regulations.

Recording keeping in the US

Consider the elements you want to track and make them easy to find on the timesheet. Then fill out each section with the date, employee name, start and end times, breaks, and total hours. If you’re tracking a project, specify the project components to track and break down the timesheet accordingly. For instance, you could separately track billable and admin hours. Just make sure you're complying with local record-keeping regulations.

Recording keeping in the US

Upgrade your time tracking with Xero

Xero Projects tracks the time you and your team put into your business. It accurately records your payroll, billing, and time management – and it can even clock you in and out at key locations.

  • Included
    Easily generate accurate timesheets whenever you need them
  • Included
    Tailor your timesheets to your business's needs
  • Included
    Share timesheets online with employees and freelancers
Find out more about tracking time with Xero
Image shows time being tracked with a stopwatch next to an accounting software dashboard.

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Disclaimer

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

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