Change the time format from decimal to minutes or vice versa in QuickBooks Desktop Payroll

Find out how QuickBooks Desktop Payroll displays the time entered.

You might wonder why the time format changes when you enter time on paychecks or set up sick and vacation time balances. It has to do with your preferences. You can change the format from decimal to minutes and vice versa.

Understand QuickBooks time format

It’s important to understand how QuickBooks displays the time entered. QuickBooks Desktop has two time formats: decimal and minutes

• Decimal: QuickBooks interprets time entries as decimal fractions. 

When you enter 4:30 while your preferences are set to decimal, QuickBooks converts your entry to 4.5 (4 and a half hours).

• Minutes: QuickBooks interprets time entries as hours and minutes. 

When you enter 4.5 while your preferences are set to minutes, QuickBooks converts your entry to 4:30 (4 hours and 30 minutes).

Set the format for time entries

1. Go to Edit, then select Preferences.
2. Select the General view. 
3. Select the Company Preferences tab.
4. In the Time Format section, select either Decimal (10.20), or Minutes (10:12).
5. Select OK.