Hourly Invoice Template

How to bill hours on an invoice

1. Rename the columns. Change “Qty” to “Hours” and “Rate” to “Hourly rate” so the invoice reads naturally.
2. Add one line per task or day, such as “May 6 – client call and revisions”, with the hours as a decimal (2.5, not 2:30).
3. Enter your rate. Each line is hours × rate, and the total adds itself up.
4. Use different rates on different lines if you charge more for some kinds of work, such as rush jobs or senior staff.
5. Set the billing period in a custom field, choose payment terms and download the PDF.

Converting minutes to decimal hours

Invoices use decimal hours, so convert minutes before you enter them. Divide the minutes by 60:

Many professionals bill in fixed increments, such as 6 minutes (0.1 hour) or 15 minutes (0.25 hour), and round each task up to the next increment. Whatever you do, agree on it with the client and apply it consistently.

Timesheets and clear hourly invoices

Clients question hourly invoices when they can’t see where the time went. Track time as you work, not from memory at the end of the month, and describe each line in terms the client recognizes. A short line per day or per task is usually enough; attach a detailed timesheet if the client asks for one.

Billing the same client every week or month? Duplicate the last invoice in My documents and change the dates and hours, or click New and let the descriptions autocomplete. Consultants and freelancers can also see the consulting and freelance templates.