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CA Overtime Calculator: How It Works

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Overtime pay 150.00 $
Double-time pay
0.00 $
Result
Total gross pay
950.00 $
Result
Hourly rate
20 $
You entered

CA Overtime Calculator: How It Works

The California overtime calculator computes the overtime pay you are owed under California law based on your regular hourly rate, hours worked, and the type of overtime (daily, weekly, or double time). Enter your hourly wage, total hours worked in the workweek, and the number of overtime hours to see your gross overtime pay before taxes and deductions.

Formula

California overtime is calculated using these formulas:

  • Regular pay = hourly rate × regular hours (up to 40 in a week)
  • Overtime pay (1.5×) = hourly rate × 1.5 × overtime hours
  • Double-time pay (2×) = hourly rate × 2 × double-time hours

Where:

  • Hourly rate = your regular rate of pay in dollars per hour ($/hr)
  • Overtime hours = hours worked over 8 in a day, over 40 in a week, or the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day
  • Double-time hours = hours worked over 12 in a day, or over 8 on the 7th consecutive day

This calculator uses the standard formulas for gross pay. It does not include deductions, taxes, or other adjustments.

Worked Example

Using the default values: hourly rate = $20, regular hours = 40, overtime hours = 5, double-time hours = 0.

  1. Regular pay = $20 × 40 = $800
  2. Overtime pay = $20 × 5 × 1.5 = $150
  3. Double-time pay = $20 × 0 × 2 = $0
  4. Total gross pay = $800 + $150 + $0 = $950

The calculator shows $150 for overtime pay and $950 for total gross pay.

When to Use This Calculator

Use this calculator if you are a non-exempt employee in California and want to estimate your weekly gross pay with overtime. It is also useful for employers to quickly compute payroll for hourly workers. The calculator handles the two main overtime rates: 1.5× and 2×.

How to Read the Results

The Overtime pay is the extra amount you earn for hours over 8 in a day or 40 in a week. The Total gross pay is your full weekly pay before any deductions. Remember that California also has daily overtime rules, so even if you work fewer than 40 hours in a week, you may still be owed overtime for any day over 8 hours.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

  • Using a flat 1.5× for all hours: Hours over 12 in a day or over 8 on the 7th consecutive day are double time, not 1.5×.
  • Ignoring daily overtime: Working 10 hours in one day and 30 hours the rest of the week still triggers daily overtime for those 2 extra hours.
  • Mixing up gross and net pay: This calculator gives gross pay. Taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and other deductions will reduce the take-home amount.
  • Forgetting the 7th consecutive day rule: After 6 consecutive days, the first 8 hours on the 7th day are overtime, and any hours beyond 8 are double time.

Limits of This Calculator

This calculator assumes a single hourly rate. If you earn different rates for different jobs (e.g., a tipped wage or a shift differential), you may need to calculate a weighted average rate. It also does not account for bonuses, commissions, or piece-rate pay, which can affect the regular rate of pay for overtime purposes. For complex situations, consult the California Department of Industrial Relations or a labor attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is overtime calculated in California?

In California, non-exempt employees get 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 8 in a workday, over 40 in a workweek, and for the first 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day. They get 2× their regular rate for hours over 12 in a day and for hours over 8 on the 7th consecutive day.

What is double time in California?

Double time is 2× your regular rate. It applies when you work more than 12 hours in a single day, or more than 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day of work in a workweek.

Does California have daily overtime?

Yes. Unlike federal law which only requires overtime after 40 hours in a week, California also requires overtime for any hours worked over 8 in a single day, regardless of the weekly total.

How do I calculate overtime if I have multiple pay rates?

If you have multiple rates, you must calculate a weighted average regular rate by dividing total earnings (excluding overtime premiums) by total hours worked. Then use that rate for overtime calculations.

Are bonuses included in overtime pay?

Yes. Non-discretionary bonuses (like attendance or production bonuses) are included in the regular rate of pay when calculating overtime. Discretionary bonuses (like a holiday gift) are not included.

Can I use this calculator for salaried employees?

No. Salaried employees who are exempt from overtime are not covered by these rules. Non-exempt salaried employees must first convert their salary to an hourly rate, then apply the overtime formulas.

Related

Formula used
in rate | Hourly rate | $ | 20 | 0
in hours | Hours worked in week | h | 40 | 0
in ot_hours | Overtime hours (1.5x) | h | 5 | 0
in dt_hours | Double-time hours (2x) | h | 0 | 0
out ot_pay | Overtime pay | $ | rate * ot_hours * 1.5 | 2
out dt_pay | Double-time pay | $ | rate * dt_hours * 2 | 2
out total_pay | Total gross pay | $ | rate * hours + ot_pay + dt_pay | 2

Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.