South Africa Time Card Calculator
Track working hours, calculate overtime pay at BCEA rates, and generate weekly pay summaries.
The BCEA limits ordinary working hours to 45 hours per week (9 hrs/day for 5-day week, 8 hrs/day for 6-day week).
Overtime must be paid at 1.5x the normal rate. Sunday work is paid at 2x the normal rate.
Maximum overtime is 10 hours per week. Employees may agree to work overtime by mutual agreement.
Night work (18:00 to 06:00) attracts an additional allowance or reduced working hours.
Track your working hours accurately and make sure you are paid correctly
What is a time card and why does it matter?
A time card records the hours you work each day, including start time, end time, and breaks. It is the basis for calculating your pay, especially if you are paid hourly or claim overtime. In South Africa, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act requires employers to keep records of hours worked for at least 3 years. Accurate time cards protect both you and your employer.
What are the legal working hour limits?
The BCEA sets maximum ordinary working hours at 45 per week. For a 5-day week, that is 9 hours per day. For a 6-day week, it is 8 hours per day (7.5 on the short day). Overtime cannot exceed 10 hours per week. Employees must get a meal break of at least 1 hour after 5 hours of work, though this can be reduced to 30 minutes by agreement.
How are hours calculated for pay purposes?
Normal hours are paid at your regular rate. Overtime (beyond your normal hours, up to 45+10 per week) is paid at 1.5x. Sunday work is paid at 2x if it is not your normal working day. Public holidays are paid at 2x. If you work 48 hours in a week (40 normal + 8 overtime at R100/hour), your pay is: R4,000 normal + R1,200 overtime = R5,200.
Do I need to track break times?
Yes. Meal breaks are usually unpaid and should not be included in your working hours. If you work 9 hours with a 1-hour lunch break, you have 8 paid hours. However, if your employer requires you to be available during your break (for example, staying on premises), that time may count as working time and should be paid.
What about flexitime and compressed work weeks?
South African labour law allows flexible arrangements by agreement. A compressed work week lets you work longer days in exchange for fewer days (for example, 4 x 10-hour days). The total weekly hours must not exceed 45 ordinary hours. Your time card should still record actual hours worked. Flexitime agreements should be in writing.
How are public holidays handled on time cards?
South Africa has 12 public holidays per year. If a public holiday falls on your normal working day and you do not work, you receive your normal pay. If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to double pay. If the public holiday falls on a day you would not normally work, there is no additional pay unless agreed otherwise in your contract.
What should I do if my employer does not record hours?
Keep your own records. Note your start time, end time, and breaks each day. Save copies of any rosters or schedules. If there is a dispute about hours or pay, your records can be used as evidence at the CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration). The employer has the legal burden to prove that hours were correctly recorded.
SARS-Aligned: Based on 2025 SARS rates and thresholds. For personal advice, speak to a qualified tax practitioner.
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current HMRC rates and thresholds for the 2025/26 tax year. It does not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Your actual liability may differ depending on your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser before making financial decisions. Read our terms