This overtime calculator separates regular pay, overtime pay and double-time pay for each workweek. Enter your regular hourly rate and weekly hours, or compare several weeks at once. The result shows total gross pay, the extra premium above straight-time pay, and a weekly breakdown you can download.
How to calculate overtime pay
- Enter the regular hourly rate applicable to the workweek.
- Enter total hours worked. For multiple weeks, separate each total with a comma.
- Check the hours threshold and overtime multiplier against the rules that apply to you.
- If some excess hours qualify for double time, enter those hours separately. They are included in total hours, not added on top.
- Review each week before looking at the combined gross pay.
Regular pay and overtime formulas
Regular hours = min(total hours, threshold). Hours above the threshold are split between ordinary overtime and any double-time hours you specify. Regular pay = regular hours × rate; overtime pay = overtime hours × rate × multiplier; double-time pay = double-time hours × rate × 2. The total adds these three amounts.
The separate premium line subtracts the straight-time value of all hours from that total. It therefore shows only the added compensation caused by the multipliers, not the full pay earned during overtime hours. This distinction helps explain why an overtime line and an overtime-premium line can show different numbers for the same shift.
US federal defaults and the regular rate
The default 40-hour threshold and 1.5 multiplier follow Department of Labor Fact Sheet 23 for covered, non-exempt employees. The regular rate can differ from the base hourly wage when applicable bonuses or differentials are included. Fact Sheet 56A explains what enters that rate. This tool expects you to enter the appropriate rate; it does not determine whether every payment is legally included.
The currency selection formats the amounts. It does not select US, UK or another country’s employment rules. GOV.UK explains that overtime pay depends on the contract and that employers do not automatically have to pay an overtime premium. Double time is an editable hours tier for a policy that actually provides it, not a federal default requirement.
Example: 45 hours at $20 an hour
At the default settings, 40 hours × $20 is $800 regular pay. The remaining 5 hours × $20 × 1.5 is $150 overtime pay. Total gross pay is $950. Straight-time pay for all 45 hours would be $900, so the extra overtime premium is $50.
Why two weeks must be calculated separately
Consider 30 hours in week one and 50 hours in week two. Averaging produces 40 hours per week and hides the second week’s overtime. At $20 per hour and the default settings, the first week earns $600. The second earns $800 regular pay plus $300 overtime pay, for a combined $1,700. Enter 30,50 to compare those weeks without averaging.
The workweek used by the employer may begin on a day other than Monday. Use totals for the actual recurring workweek. A two-week payroll cycle does not by itself change a weekly overtime rule, and paid leave may not be treated like hours worked. Add only the hours your applicable policy counts.
Double time without counting hours twice
For 50 total hours, a 40-hour threshold and 4 double-time hours, the tool assigns 40 regular hours, 6 ordinary overtime hours and 4 double-time hours. At $20 per hour, pay is $800 + $180 + $160 = $1,140. Entering the double-time hours as additional total hours would overstate both hours and pay.
If a policy uses daily thresholds or multiple rates, first identify the hours belonging in each pay tier. This calculator does not infer daily overtime from a weekly total. Confirm overlaps and eligibility before applying the arithmetic.
Gross pay, annual pay and take-home pay
The result is gross earnings before deductions. It is not a tax estimate, and no live tax or payroll rate is applied. A one-week overtime pattern should not be multiplied into a yearly salary unless you actually expect that pattern to repeat.
Use the time card calculator to total shifts and unpaid breaks, then return here for the pay tiers. Use hourly to salary for an annual projection, or pay increase calculator to compare a changed base rate.
Frequently asked questions
Is overtime pay the same as the overtime premium?
No. Overtime pay includes straight-time earnings for overtime hours plus the premium. The premium is only the extra amount above straight-time pay.
Can I combine two weeks before calculating overtime?
Under the default US weekly rule, each workweek must stand alone. Enter separate weekly totals, such as 30,50.
Is double time required by the default US rule?
The federal default is a 1.5 multiplier for eligible overtime. Double time depends on an applicable contract or local rule.
Do the double-time hours add to total hours?
No. They are a subset of hours above the entered threshold. Enter all worked hours once in the total.
Does changing the currency change overtime law?
No. Currency changes formatting only. Check the threshold, multiplier and hours that count under your own policy.
Can this estimate my take-home paycheck?
It calculates gross pay. Taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions are not included.
Sources & method
- U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet 23: weekly overtime requirements
- U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet 56A: regular rate of pay
- GOV.UK — overtime pay and employment contracts
Results are estimates for general information. Found an error? It helps everyone — see our methodology.