How We Calculate Your Overtime Pay
Every number our calculators show comes from a simple, published formula rooted in federal law. No black-box math, no hidden assumptions — just the exact equations, explained step by step, so you can check the work yourself.
Updated: 2026✅ Key Takeaways
- ✓ All formulas are based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law governing overtime.
- ✓ Time and a half always equals your hourly rate × 1.5 — no exceptions to the multiplier.
- ✓ Double time (× 2) is not required by federal law — it's a state rule or employer policy.
- ✓ Federal overtime kicks in after 40 hours worked in a single week, not per day.
- ✓ Every calculation runs in your browser only — nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.
The Federal Overtime Formula
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that non-exempt employees be paid at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for every hour worked beyond 40 in a single workweek. That's the entire legal requirement — everything else on this page is just that formula applied to real numbers.
⚖️ Federal Rule (29 U.S.C. § 207)
This applies per workweek (a fixed, recurring 7-day period your employer sets — it does not have to be Sunday–Saturday). Hours don't carry over or average between weeks.
The FLSA defines "regular rate" to include most non-discretionary bonuses and shift differentials, divided into an hourly equivalent. For most hourly workers with no bonuses, your regular rate is simply your posted hourly wage.
Time and a Half (1.5×)
This is the formula used by every calculator on this site for standard overtime hours.
🧮 Time and a Half
Example: $20/hr × 1.5 = $30.00/hr overtime rate. Work 10 overtime hours → 10 × $30 = $300.00 in overtime pay.
Double Time (2×)
Double time pays twice your regular hourly rate. Unlike time and a half, it is not required anywhere in federal law — it only applies where a state mandates it or an employer chooses to offer it.
🧮 Double Time
Example: $20/hr × 2 = $40.00/hr double-time rate. Work 3 double-time hours → 3 × $40 = $120.00.
California is the best-known example: it requires double time for hours worked beyond 12 in a single day, or beyond 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day worked in a week. Most other states follow the federal rule and have no daily or double-time requirement at all. Always check your state's labor department for your specific rules.
Total Weekly Pay
Your total weekly pay is simply every pay category added together. This is exactly what our calculators compute in the background.
🧮 Weekly Total
Standard Pay = Hourly Rate × Standard Hours • OT Pay = (Rate × 1.5) × OT Hours • DT Pay = (Rate × 2) × DT Hours • Holiday Pay = (Rate × 1.5) × Holiday Hours
Federal law does not require extra pay for holidays at all — it's entirely up to your employer's policy. When employers do offer holiday premium pay, it's most commonly paid at time and a half, which is why our calculator defaults holiday hours to the 1.5× rate. Holiday hours also don't count toward your 40-hour overtime threshold unless actually worked.
Try the Formula Yourself
Enter any hourly rate and overtime hours below to watch the formulas above calculate live.
Worked Example
📋 Maria's Weekly Paycheck
Scenario: Maria earns $18.00/hr. This week she worked 46 hours total, with no holiday or double-time hours.
Step 1 — Split the hours: 40 standard hours + 6 overtime hours (46 − 40 = 6)
Step 2 — Calculate standard pay: $18.00 × 40 = $720.00
Step 3 — Calculate her OT rate: $18.00 × 1.5 = $27.00/hr
Step 4 — Calculate overtime pay: $27.00 × 6 = $162.00
Common Wage Levels at a Glance
Here's how the 1.5× and 2× formulas apply across common hourly wages.
| Hourly Rate | Time & Half (1.5×) | Double Time (2×) | 8 Hrs OT Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15.00 | $22.50 | $30.00 | $180.00 |
| $18.00 | $27.00 | $36.00 | $216.00 |
| $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | $240.00 |
| $22.00 | $33.00 | $44.00 | $264.00 |
| $25.00 | $37.50 | $50.00 | $300.00 |
| $30.00 | $45.00 | $60.00 | $360.00 |
Want your exact numbers? Use the Time and a Half Calculator for any rate and hours.
From Input to Result — Step by Step
Enter Your Hourly Rate
Your standard rate is the base for every other calculation — the 1.5× and 2× rates are derived automatically from it.
Add Your Hours Worked
Standard, overtime, double-time, and holiday hours are each entered separately so they can be paid at the correct rate.
Formulas Run Instantly
JavaScript applies the exact FLSA-based formulas above to each hour category the moment you type — no submit button, no delay.
Compare to Your Pay Stub
Check the total against your actual paycheck. A mismatch is worth raising with HR — see our worked examples page for more scenarios.
Where These Numbers Come From
We don't ask you to take our word for it. Every formula on this page traces back to a public, official source.
Official federal guidance on FLSA overtime requirements.
The actual federal law text defining overtime compensation.
State-by-state reference for rules that go beyond the federal minimum.
See our full Sources & References page for the complete list.
Common Questions About Our Methodology
Ready to Calculate Your Own Pay?
Put these formulas to work with your real hourly rate and hours — get your exact numbers in seconds.
🧮 Use the Free CalculatorDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Overtime rules vary by state, employer policy, and employment contract. Always verify with your HR department or a qualified professional. Read our full disclaimer →