How overtime pay works
Overtime hours are paid at a higher rate than regular hours. Multiply your normal rate by the overtime multiplier to get the overtime rate, then add the regular and overtime pay together:
Total = (Rate × regular hours) + (Rate × multiplier × overtime hours)
At $20/hour for 40 regular hours plus 10 overtime hours at time and a half, regular pay is $800, the overtime rate is $30, overtime pay is $300, and the total gross is $1,100.
Common overtime multipliers
- Time and a half (1.5×): the standard for hours over 40 in a week.
- Double time (2×): sometimes paid for holidays or very long days.
Gross vs. take-home
The total shown is gross pay — before federal and state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any benefits deductions. Your actual paycheck will be smaller; a paycheck calculator estimates the net amount.
Frequently asked questions
How is overtime pay calculated?
Multiply your regular hourly rate by the overtime multiplier — usually 1.5 (time and a half) — to get the overtime rate, then multiply by the overtime hours. At $20 an hour, time-and-a-half is $30, so 10 overtime hours pay $300 on top of your regular wages.
What is time and a half?
Time and a half means 1.5 times your normal hourly rate, the most common overtime multiplier. Some situations pay double time (2×) — for example, holidays or hours beyond a daily threshold in certain states or contracts. Enter whichever multiplier applies.
When does overtime apply?
Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees earn overtime for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some states add daily overtime rules (for example, beyond 8 hours in a day). This calculator works with whatever regular and overtime hours you enter, so it fits any rule.
Is this my take-home pay?
No — the total here is gross pay, before taxes, Social Security and Medicare, and any deductions. Your net paycheck will be lower. Use a paycheck calculator to estimate take-home pay after withholding.
Disclaimer: Overtime rules vary by country, state, and employment type. This is a gross-pay estimate — confirm your overtime eligibility and rate with your employer or local labor regulations.