Decimal units
| Unit | One division | In seconds |
|---|---|---|
| Decimal minute | 0.01 min | 0.6 s |
| Decimal minute (fine) | 0.001 min | 0.06 s |
| Decimal hour | 0.0001 h | 0.36 s |
| TMU | 0.00001 h | 0.036 s |
From readings to a standard
- Observed time for each element is the average of its readings across cycles.
- Normal time = observed time × performance rating. A rating of 110% means the operator worked faster than the normal pace, so the normal time is longer than observed.
- Standard time = normal time × (1 + allowance). Allowances cover personal needs, fatigue and unavoidable delay (PF&D). Some organisations apply allowances as a share of the working day instead — standard = normal ÷ (1 − allowance) — so check which your method uses.
Snapback timing restarts from zero at every element. Continuous timing lets the watch run and records the cumulative reading at each break point; element times are found by subtraction. This tool records both and shows each element's time either way. See decimal minutes explained.
Questions
What is a decimal minute stopwatch?
A stopwatch whose dial or display divides each minute into 100 parts instead of 60 seconds, so readings like 0.47 min can be added and averaged directly. Industrial engineers use them for time studies.
How do I convert decimal minutes to seconds?
Multiply by 60. 0.01 min is 0.6 seconds, and 0.47 min is 28.2 seconds.
What is a TMU?
A time measurement unit — one hundred-thousandth of an hour, or 0.036 seconds. It's the unit of predetermined motion time systems such as MTM.
How is standard time calculated?
Standard time is the average observed time, adjusted by the performance rating to a normal pace, then increased by the allowance for personal needs, fatigue and delay.