How To Calculate Time And A Half
Time and a Half Calculator
💡 Standard overtime is 1.5x pay for hours worked over 40 in a week (varies by state).
Enter your hours and rate to see your pay breakdown
Calculate overtime pay at 1.5x rate with our Time and a Half Calculator. Computes regular & overtime wages for US workers. Free, easy-to-use tool for employees & employers.
What is a Time and a Half Calculator?
A Time and a Half Calculator helps workers calculate overtime pay at 1.5x their normal rate. It computes regular pay, overtime pay (for hours beyond 40/week), and total earnings. Perfect for employees, employers, and payroll managers to ensure fair compensation under US labor laws.
The Time and a Half Formula
Total Pay = (Regular Hours × Hourly Rate) + (Overtime Hours × Hourly Rate × 1.5)
Example: For 45 hours at $20/hour:
- Regular pay: 40 × 800
- Overtime pay: 5 × 150
- Total pay: 150 = $950
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter your regular hours worked (typically up to 40)
- Enter any overtime hours (hours beyond 40)
- Input your hourly wage rate
- Select overtime multiplier (default is 1.5x)
- View your pay breakdown and chart
Key Terms Explained
- Regular Hours: Typically first 40 hours/week (varies by state)
- Overtime Hours: Hours worked beyond regular threshold
- Hourly Rate: Your normal pay per hour
- Multiplier: 1.5x (time-and-a-half) is standard; some cases use 2x (double time)
Formula Source
The calculation follows the US Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which mandates:
- 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a workweek
- Some states have stricter rules (CA pays overtime after 8hrs/day)
Important Notes
- Overtime laws vary by state (CA, CO, NY have different rules)
- Salaried employees may be exempt from overtime
- Some unions negotiate higher multipliers (2x or more)
- Holiday pay often uses time-and-a-half rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is overtime always after 40 hours?
A: Mostly, but some states require OT after 8hrs/day (like California).
Q: Are bonuses included in overtime calculations?
A: Generally no - overtime is based on your base hourly rate.
Q: Can my employer refuse to pay overtime?
A: Only if you’re properly classified as exempt under FLSA rules.
Q: Does vacation/sick time count toward overtime?
A: No, only actual hours worked count for OT calculations.
Q: What about holiday pay?
A: Holiday pay is often at time-and-a-half but isn’t legally required unless it pushes you over 40 hours.