Overtime math is simple in theory — hours over 40 paid at 1.5× — but paychecks rarely show the working, so most people never verify it. This calculator shows every step: regular hours, overtime hours, the overtime rate and the final gross, so you can compare against your pay stub line by line.
You can also switch the multiplier for double time (common in California after 12 hours in a day) or any custom rate your employer or union contract uses. The method follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act; state rules that are more generous override it.
Part of the Payroll Calculators collection on CountCrunch.
The overtime formula
Worked example
46 hours at $20/hour: 40 regular hours = $800. Overtime rate = $20 × 1.5 = $30. 6 overtime hours × $30 = $180. Gross: $980. The calculator shows this exact breakdown so you can match it to your stub.
Double time and custom multipliers
Some situations pay more than time-and-a-half: California requires 2× after 12 hours in a workday and on the seventh consecutive workday after 8 hours. Union contracts often set their own premiums. Enter any multiplier (2, 1.75, 1.25) and the math adjusts.
Who is owed overtime
Non-exempt employees covered by the FLSA must receive overtime after 40 hours in a workweek. Exempt employees — generally salaried executive, administrative or professional staff meeting salary and duties tests — are not owed federal overtime. When state law is stricter (daily overtime, higher salary thresholds), the stricter rule applies.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate time and a half?
Multiply your hourly rate by 1.5. At $18/hour, time and a half is $27/hour. Multiply that by your overtime hours, then add your regular pay.
Is overtime after 40 hours a week or 8 hours a day?
Federal law: after 40 hours in the workweek. Some states (California, Alaska, Nevada, Colorado) add daily overtime rules — check your state.
Do salaried employees get overtime?
It depends on exemption status, not just being salaried. Non-exempt salaried workers are owed overtime; exempt workers meeting the salary and duties tests are not.
Does PTO count toward overtime?
No. Under the FLSA only hours actually worked count toward the 40-hour threshold. Vacation, holiday and sick hours are paid but do not trigger overtime.
What is double time?
Twice the regular hourly rate (2×). Required in California after 12 hours in a day and in some union contracts; otherwise it is up to employer policy.