A billable hours chart helps convert minutes into decimal time. This is useful because many legal billing systems record time in decimal hours instead of minutes.
For example:
6 minutes = 0.1 hour
15 minutes = 0.25 hour
30 minutes = 0.5 hour
60 minutes = 1.0 hour
This guide gives law firms and legal professionals a practical reference for reviewing billable time.
Minutes to Decimal Time Conversion Chart
Minutes | Decimal Hours | Minutes | Decimal Hours |
1 | 0.02 | 31 | 0.52 |
2 | 0.03 | 32 | 0.53 |
3 | 0.05 | 33 | 0.55 |
4 | 0.07 | 34 | 0.57 |
5 | 0.08 | 35 | 0.58 |
6 | 0.10 | 36 | 0.60 |
7 | 0.12 | 37 | 0.62 |
8 | 0.13 | 38 | 0.63 |
9 | 0.15 | 39 | 0.65 |
10 | 0.17 | 40 | 0.67 |
11 | 0.18 | 41 | 0.68 |
12 | 0.20 | 42 | 0.70 |
13 | 0.22 | 43 | 0.72 |
14 | 0.23 | 44 | 0.73 |
15 | 0.25 | 45 | 0.75 |
16 | 0.27 | 46 | 0.77 |
17 | 0.28 | 47 | 0.78 |
18 | 0.30 | 48 | 0.80 |
19 | 0.32 | 49 | 0.82 |
20 | 0.33 | 50 | 0.83 |
21 | 0.35 | 51 | 0.85 |
22 | 0.37 | 52 | 0.87 |
23 | 0.38 | 53 | 0.88 |
24 | 0.40 | 54 | 0.90 |
25 | 0.42 | 55 | 0.92 |
26 | 0.43 | 56 | 0.93 |
27 | 0.45 | 57 | 0.95 |
28 | 0.47 | 58 | 0.97 |
29 | 0.48 | 59 | 0.98 |
30 | 0.50 | 60 | 1.00 |
The chart rounds to two decimal places. Firms should apply the specific increment rules required by the client or billing system.
Common Legal Billing Units
Billing Unit | Decimal | Minutes |
0.1 hour | 0.10 | 6 minutes |
0.2 hour | 0.20 | 12 minutes |
0.25 hour | 0.25 | 15 minutes |
0.3 hour | 0.30 | 18 minutes |
0.5 hour | 0.50 | 30 minutes |
0.75 hour | 0.75 | 45 minutes |
1.0 hour | 1.00 | 60 minutes |
How to Use a Billable Hours Chart
Use the chart when reviewing time entries, converting minutes into decimal hours, or checking whether a time value makes sense.
Example:
A lawyer spends 18 minutes reviewing revised contract language. If the firm records time in 6-minute increments, the entry may be recorded as 0.3 hour.
A better time entry would include both the correct duration and a clear description:
0.3 - Reviewed revised service agreement language regarding termination rights and renewal obligations.
Billable Hours Chart and Client Rules
A chart is only a reference. Client guidelines and engagement terms should control.
Some clients may require:
Specific billing increments
No rounding beyond actual time
No block billing
Specific task or activity codes
Minimum description detail
Restrictions on administrative work
Review before invoice submission
A clean conversion chart helps with math, but it does not replace client-specific billing rules.
Why Time Conversion Matters
Time conversion affects billing accuracy. Small mistakes can create problems when repeated across many matters.
Common issues include:
Recording 10 minutes as 0.1 instead of 0.17
Forgetting short tasks entirely
Rounding without checking guidelines
Using inconsistent decimals across timekeepers
Entering time too late and guessing duration
Writing vague descriptions for short entries
Better capture and review reduce these problems.
Time Entry Examples with Decimal Hours
Decimal Time | Example Description |
0.1 | Reviewed client email regarding revised contract comments and prepared response. |
0.2 | Reviewed court notice and updated matter team regarding revised hearing schedule. |
0.3 | Prepared email to opposing counsel regarding deposition scheduling issues. |
0.5 | Joined client call to discuss discovery timeline and outstanding document production. |
1.0 | Reviewed revised purchase agreement and analyzed indemnity and termination provisions. |
1.5 | Drafted motion section addressing document production deficiencies and supporting case law. |
How MIRA Helps
MIRA helps law firms capture work activity closer to when it happens, review time inside Microsoft Teams, and prepare clearer descriptions before billing review.
A billable hours chart helps convert time. MIRA helps reduce the need to reconstruct time manually in the first place.
For a connected workflow, explore Automated Time Tracking for Lawyers.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a billable hours chart?
A billable hours chart converts minutes into decimal billing time, helping lawyers and billing teams record time entries consistently.
What is 6 minutes in billable hours?
Six minutes is 0.1 billable hour.
What is 15 minutes in billable hours?
Fifteen minutes is 0.25 billable hour.
What is 30 minutes in billable hours?
Thirty minutes is 0.5 billable hour.
Should law firms always round time entries?
No. Firms should follow the client agreement, outside counsel guidelines, and internal billing policy when rounding or converting time.
