Direct answer
Overtime pay after 40 hours is estimated by keeping the first 40 worked hours at the regular rate, then applying the overtime multiplier only to the hours above 40.
A weekly overtime check should start with the hours above the threshold, the base hourly rate, and the multiplier used for the premium.
For this guide, treat the calculator as a way to test the exact inputs behind the answer, not as a replacement for understanding the rule. The best result comes from reading the explanation first, then using the tool to check your own numbers.
Formula and example
Total gross pay = regular hours times regular rate plus overtime hours times overtime rate.
At $20 per hour, 46 hours with 1.5x overtime gives $800 regular pay plus $180 overtime pay, or $980 gross.
Comparison table
| Weekly hours | Regular hours | Overtime hours | Gross at $20/hour, 1.5x |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 0 | $800 |
| 42 | 40 | 2 | $860 |
| 46 | 40 | 6 | $980 |
| 50 | 40 | 10 | $1,100 |
Step-by-step calculation
Key checks
- Total actual worked hours after unpaid breaks.
- Separate regular hours from overtime hours.
- Calculate the overtime rate from the base rate and multiplier.
- Add regular and overtime gross pay.
- Check policy or local rules before relying on the estimate.
Worked example
A useful example is easier to trust when each assumption is visible. The sample below follows the same order you should use for your own numbers.
Key checks
- You know regular hours and overtime hours separately.
- The overtime multiplier is the main assumption to test.
- You want regular gross pay and overtime gross pay shown apart.
What can change the result
Daily overtime, exemptions, local rules, union agreements, bonuses, and shift premiums can change overtime treatment.
Unpaid lunch can reduce worked hours before overtime is checked.
Holiday or differential premiums may need separate handling.
Common mistakes to avoid
Key checks
- Do not use scheduled hours instead of worked hours.
- Do not count unpaid lunch toward overtime.
- Do not apply overtime rate to all hours unless required.
- Do not ignore daily overtime rules when they apply.
- Do not confuse gross overtime pay with take-home pay.
When to use the calculator
Use the overtime pay calculator to separate regular, overtime, and double-time scenarios before moving into paycheck estimates.
A good workflow is to answer the narrow question first, then open Overtime Pay Calculator when you need to test different inputs or carry the result into another work decision.
Open Overtime Pay Calculator