Using the OT Calculator
Our ot calculator is a professional tool designed to help employees and employers accurately determine gross pay when extra hours are worked. Whether you are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or have a specific union contract, calculating "Time and a Half" or "Double Time" shouldn't be a guessing game.
To get an accurate result, you simply need to enter your standard hourly rate, the number of hours considered "regular" (usually 40 per week), and the number of extra hours you worked. The calculator handles the multiplication of your base rate and the overtime premium automatically.
- Hourly Pay Rate
- This is your standard base pay before any bonuses, commissions, or premiums are applied.
- Regular Hours Worked
- In most jurisdictions, this is set to 40 hours per week. Any time worked beyond this threshold is generally considered overtime.
- OT Multiplier
- The standard multiplier is 1.5 (Time and a Half), but some companies offer 2.0 (Double Time) for holidays or Sundays.
- Overtime Hours
- The total number of additional hours worked above the regular hours threshold.
How Overtime is Calculated
The mechanics of the ot calculator rely on a three-step formula. First, we determine the regular earnings. Second, we calculate the premium rate for the extra hours. Third, we sum them for the total gross pay.
Total Pay = (Regular Hours × Rate) + (OT Hours × Rate × Multiplier)
- Regular Pay: The foundation of your paycheck, calculated at your base rate.
- OT Hourly Rate: The base rate multiplied by the OT factor (e.g., $20 × 1.5 = $30).
- OT Pay: The total dollar amount earned specifically from overtime hours.
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before taxes and deductions.
Overtime Calculation Example
Scenario: Alex works as a logistics coordinator earning $28.00 per hour. During a busy holiday week, Alex worked 52 total hours. The company pays 1.5x for any hours over 40.
Step-by-step solution:
- Identify Regular Hours: 40 hours
- Identify OT Hours: 52 – 40 = 12 hours
- Calculate Regular Pay: 40 × $28.00 = $1,120.00
- Calculate OT Rate: $28.00 × 1.5 = $42.00
- Calculate OT Pay: 12 × $42.00 = $504.00
- Total Gross Pay: $1,120.00 + $504.00 = $1,624.00
Common Overtime Questions
Who is eligible for overtime pay?
In the United States, under the FLSA, employees are categorized as either "exempt" or "non-exempt." Non-exempt employees must be paid overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Exempt employees, often those in management or professional roles with a salary above a certain threshold, may not be legally entitled to overtime pay.
What is 'Time and a Half'?
This is the most common overtime rate. It means you earn 150% of your regular hourly wage. If your base pay is $10.00, your time and a half rate is $15.00. Use our ot calculator to see how this premium significantly boosts your weekly earnings compared to regular hours.
Can an employer refuse to pay overtime?
If you are a non-exempt employee and you work more than 40 hours, federal law requires your employer to pay you the overtime premium. Even if the overtime wasn't pre-authorized, if the work was performed, it must be paid, though the employee might face disciplinary action for unauthorized hours.
Does overtime include weekends?
Under federal law, overtime is based on the total hours worked in a 7-day workweek, not specific days. Working on a Saturday or Sunday doesn't automatically trigger overtime unless you have already exceeded 40 hours for that week, or if your specific employment contract or state law requires it.
State-Specific Rules (e.g., California)
While federal law focuses on the 40-hour week, some states have stricter rules. For instance, in California, overtime is calculated on a daily basis. Employees must be paid 1.5x for any hours over 8 in a single day, and 2.0x for any hours over 12 in a single day. Our ot calculator can be used for these scenarios by adjusting the "OT Multiplier" and the "OT Hours" inputs to reflect daily totals rather than weekly totals.