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Overtime calculator: regular pay, overtime and the week’s total

The short answer

To calculate overtime pay, multiply the hourly rate by 1.5, then multiply by the hours past the overtime limit, usually 40 in a week under the federal rule. At $20 an hour, 46 hours pays 40 × $20 = $800 regular, plus 6 × $30 = $180 overtime, or $980 before taxes. Some states add their own rules, so check yours.

Enter an hourly rate and the hours worked to see regular pay, overtime and the week’s total before taxes, under the overtime rule that applies to you.

The pay week

40 a week under the federal rule. Your state may add its own.
1.5 is time and a half.
Out of the hours above, if any of them are paid at 2×.

Pay for the week

$980.00 before taxes

Regular: 40 hours
$800.00
Overtime: 6 hours at $30.00
$180.00

Arithmetic on the rule you choose, not legal or tax advice. Overtime rules and who they cover vary by state and job, so check with your state labor department or payroll provider.

How it works

How to calculate overtime pay

  • Overtime rate: hourly pay × 1.5. Double time is hourly pay × 2.
  • Overtime pay: overtime hours × the overtime rate.
  • Pay for the week: (regular hours × hourly pay) + overtime pay.
A week’s pay at $20 an hour, time and a half after 40 hours
Hours workedRegular payOvertime payTotal before taxes
40$800.00$0.00$800.00
42$800.00$60.00$860.00
45$800.00$150.00$950.00
48$800.00$240.00$1,040.00
50$800.00$300.00$1,100.00
60$800.00$600.00$1,400.00

Using the calculator

  1. Enter the regular hourly pay and the hours worked in the week.
  2. Set when overtime starts and the pay rate. Time and a half after 40 hours is the federal rule for most hourly workers.
  3. If any hours are paid at double time, enter them too.

Need to add up the hours first? Use the time card calculator. This tool does arithmetic on the rule you choose. It isn’t legal or tax advice, and it doesn’t work out withholding. Some states have daily overtime or other rules, and not every job is covered, so check with your state labor department or payroll provider. California, for example, generally has daily overtime.

Source: US Department of Labor Fact Sheet #23, overtime pay.

Common questions

How do I calculate time and a half?
Multiply the hourly rate by 1.5. $20 an hour becomes $30 an hour for overtime hours.
How much is 6 hours of overtime at $20 an hour?
6 × $30 = $180, on top of regular pay. With 40 regular hours at $20, the week comes to $980 before taxes.
What is the new overtime rule for 2026?
The federal pay rule hasn’t changed: covered employees earn at least time and a half after 40 hours in a work week. What’s new is on the tax side. For 2025 through 2028, the IRS lets eligible people deduct some required overtime pay on their own income taxes. Your state may have its own changes, so check with it and your payroll provider.
When does overtime start?
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, covered non-exempt employees earn at least time and a half after 40 hours in a work week. Some states add their own rules, such as daily overtime.
Does every employee get overtime?
No. Some salaried and other workers are exempt under federal and state rules, and calling someone a contractor doesn’t by itself make them exempt. Ask your state labor department or an employment attorney if you’re not sure.
Does this show take-home pay?
No. It shows pay before taxes and other deductions. Your payroll provider or accountant can work out withholding.

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