Abstract: A system for elapsed-time calculation is disclosed. The system employs a magnetic-striped card in conjunction with a stand-alone terminal for recording the coming and going of employees, along with other pertinent payroll data, directly on the magnetic strip. The elapsed-time calculation is cumulative, thereby allowing an employee to maintain a flexible work schedule and to receive credit for all time worked during a given pay period. The system features visual feedback to the employee whenever his card is used, so as to inform him of both the total time he has accumulated over the pay period and elapsed time for the most recent period worked. Further features include the elimination of large-scale terminal and/or remote computer memory, hard-copy back-up in case of system failure, and recyclable time cards.