How Time Tracking Software Works
Learn what time tracking software does, from timers and timesheets to reporting, approvals, and billing.
Last updated: March 8, 2026
Time tracking software replaces guesswork and manual timesheets with accurate records of how time is spent. You can use it to bill clients, understand job costs, or see how your team allocates time across projects and clients.
To compare options, see our time tracking hub, best time tracking software, and time tracking comparisons. Many tools integrate with invoicing, accounting, and payroll software.
What Time Tracking Software Does
Core tasks time tracking platforms handle.
- Timers and timesheets — Record time with a live timer or by entering hours manually by project, task, and client.
- Projects and budgets — Assign time to projects, set budgets, and track progress to avoid overruns.
- Reporting — Summaries by client, project, user, and period for billing and analysis.
- Integrations — Connect to project management, invoicing, accounting, and payroll tools.
FAQs
Quick answers to common questions.