Work Hours & Overtime Calculator
This calculator helps estimate wages for hourly workers by applying common overtime rules. It supports two methods: a standard weekly-overtime method (hours over 40 in a workweek at 1.5×) and a California-specific method that applies daily overtime and double-time rules in addition to weekly overtime.
Enter hours worked for each day of the pay period and the applicable hourly pay and multipliers. The tool returns hour breakdowns, pay for each bucket, and an effective hourly rate to help verify payroll calculations and spot-check employer payrolls.
Applies a single weekly overtime threshold: hours over 40 in the pay week are paid at the overtime multiplier (default 1.5×). Daily rules are not applied in this method.
Inputs
Results
Overtime hours
0
Overtime pay
$0.00
Regular pay
$0.00
Total pay (period)
$0.00
Effective hourly rate
$0.00
| Output | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime hours | 0 | hours |
| Overtime pay | $0.00 | USD |
| Regular pay | $0.00 | USD |
| Total pay (period) | $0.00 | USD |
| Effective hourly rate | $0.00 | USD |
Visualization
Methodology
The calculator uses per-day inputs combined into weekly totals. For the Federal-style method, overtime is calculated as hours exceeding 40 in the week multiplied by the overtime multiplier (default 1.5).
For the California method, the calculator first computes daily overtime: hours over 8 and up to 12 are paid at 1.5×; hours over 12 are paid at 2×. It then computes weekly overtime (hours over 40) and treats any remaining weekly overtime not already compensated by daily rules as additional overtime at 1.5×. This is an algorithmic approach intended to approximate employer payroll logic used to avoid double-counting payouts.
Key takeaways
Use the Federal method for a simple weekly-overtime check (hours over 40 at 1.5×). Use the California method when daily overtime rules may apply.
This tool provides estimates and a clear breakdown of pay buckets to help verify payrolls and detect anomalies. For definitive payroll and legal determinations, consult payroll professionals or legal counsel.
Further resources
Expert Q&A
Is this calculator legal advice?
No. This tool provides an estimate for common overtime scenarios and is not a substitute for legal counsel or official payroll systems. Employers must follow applicable federal, state, and local laws and may have additional contractual obligations.
Which standard applies to my situation?
If you are in the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets federal minimums; some states (for example California) impose stricter daily or weekly rules. Use the method that matches your jurisdiction and employment contract.
How accurate are the results?
Results are algorithmic estimates. They assume every hour entered is compensable work time and do not account for exemptions, shift differentials, paid/unpaid breaks, rounding policies, collective bargaining adjustments, or complex rate-of-pay calculations under multi-rate rules. See accuracy caveats below.
How do rounding and time clocks affect results?
Rounding rules (e.g., to nearest 5 minutes) and employer timekeeping policies materially affect payroll outcomes. This calculator does not apply any time-rounding unless you manually adjust inputs to reflect rounded time.
What if I have multiple pay rates or piece-rate work?
This tool currently assumes a single hourly rate for the period. For multiple rates or piece-rate work, employers must determine the regular rate under applicable rules; consult payroll guidance or legal counsel.
Sources & citations
- U.S. Department of Labor — Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overview — https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
- California Department of Industrial Relations — Overtime — https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/FAQ_Overtime.htm
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — https://www.osha.gov
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — guidance on software assurance and accuracy expectations — https://www.nist.gov
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — https://www.iso.org
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — https://www.ieee.org