Salary & Income
How to Calculate Overtime Pay: Time-and-a-Half Explained
An overtime pay calculator multiplies your extra hours by 1.5 times your normal rate. Once you know the formula you can check any paycheck in seconds. Below is the time-and-a-half math, a worked example and a table — or jump straight to the [Overtime Calculator](/calculators/overtime-calculator).
By the MoneyTools Editorial TeamLast updated 6 min readEditorial Policy
What is time-and-a-half?
Time-and-a-half means each overtime hour pays 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), most non-exempt employees must get at least this rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states, such as California, also require overtime for long single days. Check the U.S. Department of Labor and your state's labor office for the rules that apply to you.
The overtime pay formula
Overtime rate = Hourly rate × 1.5 Overtime pay = Overtime hours × Overtime rate Total weekly pay = (Regular hours × Hourly rate) + Overtime pay
- Regular hours
- Usually up to 40 per week
- Overtime hours
- Hours worked beyond 40
- 1.5
- Time-and-a-half multiplier (2.0 for double time)
Worked example: $20 an hour with 10 overtime hours
Worked example
Overtime pay calculation
- Hourly rate: $20
- Regular pay: 40 hours × $20 = $800
- Overtime rate: $20 × 1.5 = $30
- Overtime pay: 10 hours × $30 = $300
- Total gross pay: $800 + $300 = $1,100
Working 50 hours pays $1,100 before taxes — $100 more than if all 50 hours were paid at $20.
Overtime pay comparison table
| Overtime hours | Regular pay | Overtime pay | Total weekly pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $800 | $0 | $800 |
| 5 | $800 | $150 | $950 |
| 10 | $800 | $300 | $1,100 |
| 15 | $800 | $450 | $1,250 |
| 20 | $800 | $600 | $1,400 |
Using an overtime pay calculator correctly
Use the regular rate, not just base pay
Under federal rules, some bonuses and shift differentials count toward your "regular rate", which raises your overtime rate. A simple calculator uses your base hourly rate, so your real overtime may be a little higher.
Count hours by workweek
Overtime is usually figured per workweek, not averaged over two weeks. Working 50 hours one week and 30 the next still earns 10 overtime hours.
Remember taxes
Overtime is taxed like other wages. To see what lands in your bank account, run the total through the Take-Home Pay Calculator.
Who does not get overtime?
- Many salaried employees who meet the FLSA "exempt" tests for executive, administrative or professional roles.
- Some specific jobs and industries with their own federal or state rules.
- Independent contractors, who are not employees.
This guide is general education, not legal advice. If you think your overtime is wrong, contact the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division or your state labor office.
Run your own numbers
Calculate overtime pay at time-and-a-half or custom rates.
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