About This Overtime Calculator
This calculator estimates your total pay for a period that includes regular hours, overtime hours, and — if applicable — double time hours. It breaks each component down separately so you can see exactly how much of your paycheck comes from each type of pay.
What Is Overtime Pay?
Overtime pay is extra compensation earned when you work more than your employer's standard hours threshold. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the US, most non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular rate for any hours over 40 in a workweek. Many people call this "time-and-a-half."
Some employers, industries, and union agreements go beyond the FLSA minimum. Certain contracts pay 2× for weekend work, holidays, or hours beyond a daily threshold. California, for example, requires overtime after 8 hours in a single day — not just 40 per week.
How Time-and-a-Half Works
If your base rate is $20/hr and you work 5 overtime hours at 1.5×, your overtime rate is $30/hr. Those 5 hours add $150 to your paycheck on top of your regular pay. The overtime multiplier field lets you enter any rate — 1.25×, 1.5×, 1.75×, 2× — to match your actual agreement.
Double Time
Double time means earning 2× your regular rate. It's common in healthcare, construction, and union trades, often triggered by holidays, consecutive days worked, or hours beyond a certain daily threshold. If some of your hours are paid at double time, enter them separately in the double time fields. The calculator tracks regular, overtime, and double time pay as three distinct components.
Effective Hourly Rate
The effective hourly rate is your total pay divided by total hours worked. When you mix regular and overtime hours, your blended rate comes out higher than your base rate. This number is useful for comparing periods with different overtime amounts.
A Note on Accuracy
This calculator uses the rates and hours you enter to estimate gross pay. It does not account for taxes, Social Security, Medicare, or any deductions. Overtime rules, thresholds, and multipliers vary by employer, industry, state, and employment contract — always check your pay stub or HR documentation for your specific situation.
Formula Used
Regular pay = Hourly wage × Regular hours
Overtime pay = Hourly wage × OT multiplier × OT hours
Double time pay = Hourly wage × DT multiplier × DT hours
Total pay = Regular + Overtime + Double time
Effective rate = Total pay ÷ Total hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How is overtime pay calculated?
Overtime pay is calculated by multiplying your hourly wage by the overtime multiplier, then multiplying that by the number of overtime hours. For example, at $20/hr with a 1.5× multiplier, your overtime rate is $30/hr. Ten overtime hours = $300 in overtime pay.
What does time-and-a-half mean?
Time-and-a-half means you earn 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for overtime hours. If your regular rate is $20/hr, time-and-a-half is $30/hr. It's the most common overtime rate in the US under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
What is double time?
Double time means you earn twice your regular hourly rate — a 2× multiplier. Some states, industries, and union agreements require double time for hours worked beyond a certain threshold or on holidays. Use the double time hours field if part of your hours are paid at 2×.
Does this calculator include regular pay too?
Yes. The calculator shows regular pay, overtime pay, and double time pay as separate line items, then adds them together into a total pay figure. You can see exactly how much of your paycheck comes from each component.
Can I use this calculator for biweekly pay?
Yes. Just enter your total regular and overtime hours for the full biweekly period. The calculator treats your inputs as the complete period — it doesn't assume weekly hours or auto-double anything.
Why is my overtime rate different at work?
Some employers use different overtime thresholds or pay overtime after 8 hours in a single day rather than 40 hours in a week (common in California). Others negotiate overtime rates through union contracts. Adjust the overtime multiplier field to match your actual rate.
Does every job pay overtime after 40 hours?
Not necessarily. The FLSA requires overtime for non-exempt employees after 40 hours per week, but exempt employees (many salaried workers, managers, and certain professional categories) may not qualify. Some states have stricter rules. Check your employment agreement or state labor law for your specific situation.
Is this calculator before or after taxes?
All results are gross (pre-tax) estimates. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal and state taxes and deductions. Use the Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay.
