How to Calculate Time and a Half
Time-and-a-half rate = regular hourly rate x 1.5. At $20 per hour, the time-and-a-half rate is $30 per hour.
The time-and-a-half formula
Time-and-a-half rate = regular hourly rate x 1.5
Multiply the regular hourly rate by 1.5. To find overtime pay, multiply that result by the number of overtime hours.
Example: find the overtime rate
$20/hour x 1.5 = $30/hour
If the worker has 5 overtime hours, then 5 x $30 = $150 overtime pay.
Separate overtime pay from total gross pay
Suppose the regular rate is $20/hour, with 40 regular hours and 5 overtime hours.
- Regular pay: 40 x $20 = $800
- Overtime rate: $20 x 1.5 = $30/hour
- Overtime pay: 5 x $30 = $150
- Total gross pay: $800 + $150 = $950
The overtime rate is $30 per hour. The overtime pay for 5 hours is $150. They describe different parts of the calculation.
The overtime premium
The straight-time value of the 5 overtime hours is 5 x $20 = $100. The additional premium in this example is $150 - $100 = $50. The $150 overtime pay already includes that $50 premium; do not add it again to the $950 gross total.
When the rate applies
Time and a half is a 1.5x pay rate. Whether and when that rate applies depends on the rules that apply to the worker and job. This guide explains the arithmetic and does not determine eligibility.
Calculate your own numbers
Calculate overtime pay with the Overtime Pay Calculator. Enter known regular and overtime hours, or supply your own threshold and multiplier. The example above uses a given split of hours; it does not decide when overtime starts.
Need a weekly hours total first? The Time Card Calculator adds daily shifts and subtracts unpaid breaks.
If you are comparing earnings over a longer period, the Hourly to Salary Calculator estimates straight-time pay from an hourly rate and schedule. Account for overtime separately. If your regular rate changes, the Pay Raise Calculator compares the old and new rates before you apply the 1.5 multiplier.