What this overtime calculator does
Most overtime tools stop at “rate × 1.5.” This one builds the whole gross paycheck the way payroll does: straight-time pay for your regular hours, time and a half for overtime hours past 40, and a separate 2x line for any double-time hours your state or contract provides. Switch to the biweekly view to see a repeating schedule across a two-week pay period.
The formula, step by step
- Regular pay = hourly rate × regular hours (usually up to 40)
- Overtime pay = hourly rate × 1.5 × overtime hours
- Double-time pay = hourly rate × 2 × double-time hours (where applicable)
- Gross pay = the three added together, before taxes and deductions
Example: at $20.00/hour with 40 regular hours, 6 overtime hours, and 2 double-time hours, gross pay is $800.00 + $180.00 + $80.00 = $1,060.00.
Getting the inputs right
- Overtime hours are hours worked over 40 in one workweek under federal law. Each week stands alone — overtime can't be averaged across a pay period.
- Your regular rate may exceed your base wage if you earn non-discretionary bonuses, commissions, or shift differentials — those must be folded into the rate before applying 1.5x.
- Double time is not a federal requirement. It appears in state daily-overtime rules (California after 12 hours in a day) and in union or employer agreements. Leave it at 0 unless it applies to you — details on the double time page.
Overtime taxes: what actually happens
A bigger check can have proportionally bigger withholding, which is why overtime “feels” taxed harder — but it's ordinary income at your normal rates. For 2025–2028, eligible workers can also deduct the 0.5x premium portion of FLSA overtime on their federal return. Size that benefit with the no tax on overtime calculator.
Just need the quick 1.5x answer? The time and a half calculator is the fastest route, and the wage pages have precomputed answers for $12–$50/hour.