How overtime pay is calculated
Each kind of hour is multiplied by its own rate, and the three amounts are added up. Each line is rounded to the cent before adding, the way a pay stub shows it.
Regular pay = regular hours × rate
Overtime pay = overtime hours × rate × 1.5
Double-time pay = double-time hours × rate × 2
Total = regular pay + overtime pay + double-time pay
Worked example: a California week
At $22.00 an hour you work 8, 10, 8, 8 and 13 hours over five days. Day 2 has 2 hours over 8, which are overtime. Day 5 has 4 hours between 8 and 12 at overtime and 1 hour past 12 at double time. That leaves 40 regular hours, 6 overtime hours and 1 double-time hour: 40 × $22.00 = $880.00, 6 × $33.00 = $198.00, and 1 × $44.00 = $44.00, for $1,122.00 gross. Under federal rules alone the same 47 hours would be 40 regular and 7 overtime, $1,111.00.
Federal and California rules side by side
| Situation | Federal (FLSA) | California default |
|---|---|---|
| Over 40 hours in a workweek | 1.5× | 1.5× (regular hours only) |
| Over 8 hours in a workday | No premium | 1.5× |
| Over 12 hours in a workday | No premium | 2× |
| 7th consecutive day, first 8 hours | No premium | 1.5× |
| 7th consecutive day, over 8 hours | No premium | 2× |
Sources: the U.S. Department of Labor's overtime pay page, California's DLSE overtime FAQ, and the DLSE Form 55 overtime instructions (PDF).
How the California mode avoids double counting
The DLSE instructions describe weekly overtime as hours over "40 regular hours in a workweek". So the calculator first splits each day into regular, overtime and double-time hours. Then it adds up only the regular hours across the week, and any regular hours past the 40th become overtime. An hour that was already daily overtime is never counted again for the weekly rule.
- Seventh day. The rule covers "the seventh consecutive day of work in the same workweek". The calculator applies it only when all seven days have hours. Seven days in a row that straddle two workweeks do not trigger it.
- Workweek and workday. California Labor Code section 500 defines the workweek as seven consecutive days starting on the same calendar day each week. The workday is a 24-hour period starting at the same time each day. Enter the hours that fall in each of your employer's workdays.
- Exceptions. Valid alternative workweek schedules, agricultural work, many truck drivers and exempt salaried employees follow different rules. The DLSE says to contact one of its offices if you are not sure.
Other states have their own overtime laws, and a union contract can be more generous than either set of rules. The "I know my overtime hours" mode lets you enter any split and any multiplier.
Questions people ask
How much is time and a half for $20 an hour?
Time and a half for $20.00 an hour is $30.00 an hour (20 × 1.5), and double time is $40.00 an hour. Five overtime hours at time and a half add $150.00 to your gross pay.
Does federal law require double time?
No. The Fair Labor Standards Act only requires at least 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, and it has no daily overtime. Double time comes from state law, such as California, or from a union contract or company policy.
When do I get double time in California?
Under the default California rules, you earn double time for hours over 12 in one workday, and for hours over 8 on the seventh consecutive day of work in the same workweek. Employees on a valid alternative workweek schedule and some industries follow different rules.
Do daily overtime hours count toward the 40-hour weekly limit in California?
No. California counts only regular hours toward the 40. If you work five 10-hour days, you get 10 hours of daily overtime and 40 regular hours, not an extra 10 hours of weekly overtime on top. Each hour is paid at one premium rate, the highest that applies.
Is overtime calculated on my base hourly rate?
Overtime is based on your regular rate of pay. For most hourly workers that is the base rate, but non-discretionary bonuses and some other payments can raise the regular rate. If you get those, your overtime rate may be higher than 1.5 times your base rate.