Timesheet vs. Roster: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 18, 2023
A Timesheet is a record of the hours worked by an individual or group, while a Roster is a list or schedule that outlines who is assigned to work at specific times.
Key Differences
A Timesheet is essentially a log or record that documents the hours an employee has worked during a specific time period. It often includes details such as the start time, end time, and any breaks taken. On the other hand, a Roster is a planned schedule that outlines who will be working at what times. A Roster is proactive, aiming to organize work shifts before they happen.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
In a Timesheet, employees usually fill out their hours manually or use software to track the time automatically. It serves as the basis for payroll and may include additional details like overtime, holidays, or special project hours. A Roster, however, is generally prepared by a manager or scheduler. It serves as a planning tool to ensure that enough staff are available to meet the needs of the business.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Both Timesheets and Rosters are used in a variety of settings such as businesses, volunteer organizations, and educational institutions. Timesheets are more focused on retrospective record-keeping, often used for accountability and payroll purposes. Rosters are geared towards planning and organization, aiming to ensure the optimal distribution of labor across various shifts or tasks.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
While Timesheets and Rosters serve different functions, they are often used in conjunction. A Roster can serve as a template for an expected Timesheet, giving employees a guide for when they should clock in and out. Timesheets can then be compared to the Roster to identify discrepancies or gaps in staffing levels, which could prompt adjustments to future Rosters.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Timesheet and Roster Definitions
Timesheet
A spreadsheet used for logging volunteer hours.
The charity had all volunteers fill out a Timesheet.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
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Roster
A military list detailing troop assignments.
The commander had to update the Roster after the new recruits arrived.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Timesheet
A document listing the hours worked by an employee.
John filled out his Timesheet at the end of the week to get paid.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Roster
A schedule outlining which employees work at specific times.
Karen checked the Roster to see her shifts for the week.
Sara Rehman
Sep 18, 2023
Timesheet
A record used for calculating overtime and other labor costs.
The HR department reviewed each Timesheet to compute overtime pay.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Roster
A register of students in a class.
The professor reviewed the Roster before calling attendance.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
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Timesheet
A software tool that digitally tracks work hours.
Sarah used the Timesheet app to automatically log her project hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Roster
A list of team members in sports or organizations.
The basketball Roster was posted in the gym.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Timesheet
A chart used for billing clients based on service hours.
The lawyer submitted a Timesheet to bill for consultation time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Roster
A record specifying roles or duties within a group.
The project Roster detailed who was responsible for each task.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Timesheet
A document that allows for the recording of hours worked on various tasks that is used as input for payroll, project accounting or client billing processes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
A list, especially of the names of players on a sports team or of the personnel in a military unit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
A list of individuals or groups, usually for an organization of some kind such as military officers and enlisted personnel enrolled in a particular unit; a muster roll; a sports team, with the names of players who are eligible to be placed in the lineup for a particular game; or a list of students officially enrolled in a school or class.
I'm number 12 on the roster for tonight's game.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
A list of the jobs to be done by members of an organization and often with the date/time that they are expected to do them.
The secretary has produced a new cleaning roster for the Church over the remainder of the year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
A schedule or timetable setting out shift times and dates for each employee of a business.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
(transitive) To place the name of (a person) on a roster.
I have rostered you for cleaning duties on the first Monday of each month.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Roster
A register or roll showing the order in which officers, enlisted men, companies, or regiments are called on to serve.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
FAQs
What is a Roster?
A Roster is a schedule that outlines who is assigned to work at specific times.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Who generally uses a Timesheet?
Employees use Timesheets to log their work hours.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Can Timesheets be digital?
Yes, there are software solutions for digital Timesheets.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
How do Timesheets relate to payroll?
Timesheets are often used as the basis for calculating payroll.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What is a Timesheet?
A Timesheet is a record of the hours worked by an individual or group.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Is overtime usually recorded on a Timesheet?
Overtime is often specifically noted on a Timesheet.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Are Timesheets legally required?
In some jurisdictions, Timesheets may be required for wage and hour compliance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
What is the main purpose of a Roster?
The main purpose is to ensure adequate staffing levels.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Do Rosters include roles or duties?
Rosters may include specified roles or duties for each individual listed.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Do Rosters exist in educational settings?
Yes, professors often have a Roster of enrolled students.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Are Rosters used in sports?
Yes, sports teams often have a Roster of players.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Do Timesheets and Rosters ever overlap?
They can overlap when a Roster serves as a template for expected Timesheets.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
