How it's calculated
Normal pay = hourly rate × normal hours
Overtime pay = hourly rate × overtime rate × overtime hours
Double-time pay = hourly rate × 2 × double-time hours
Weekly pay = normal pay + overtime pay + double-time pay
Average per hour = weekly pay ÷ all hours worked
Worked examples
$20 an hour, 40 hours + 5 at time and a half:
800.00 + 20 × 1.5 × 5 = 800.00 + 150.00 = $950.00 (average $21.11 an hour)
£15 an hour, 37.5 hours + 4 at 1.5× + 2 at double time:
562.50 + 90.00 + 60.00 = £712.50
A$32 an hour, 38 hours + 6 at time and a quarter:
1,216.00 + 32 × 1.25 × 6 = 1,216.00 + 240.00 = A$1,456.00
When overtime has to be paid
- United States: under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must get at least time and a half for hours over 40 in a workweek. Federal law doesn't require overtime for weekends, holidays or days over 8 hours, though some states do.
- United Kingdom: employers don't have to pay extra for overtime, but your average pay for all the hours you work mustn't fall below the National Minimum Wage. Your contract sets any overtime rate.
- Canada and Australia: overtime rules are set by each province, or by awards and agreements. Check your employment standards office or Fair Work.
Frequently asked questions
What is time and a half?
Your normal hourly rate plus half of it again: 1.5 times your rate. At $20 an hour, time and a half is $30 an hour.
I'm on a salary. How do I find my hourly rate?
Use our salary to hourly calculator, then enter that rate here. Many salaried jobs don't pay overtime, so check your contract.
How do I track the hours I've worked?
Our timesheet calculator adds up start and finish times, takes off breaks and can split hours over a weekly limit into overtime.
Sources: US Department of Labor: overtime pay; GOV.UK: overtime, your rights. Checked 30 September 2026.