Free Overtime Calculator: Estimate US Federal Pay

This free overtime calculator estimates your gross overtime pay under the US federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You enter your regular hourly rate, the number of overtime hours worked, and your pay frequency, and it returns the overtime premium pay and total gross pay for that period. The calculator uses the standard time-and-a-half rule (1.5 × regular rate) required by federal law for non-exempt employees.

Formula

The federal overtime rate is 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly rate. The formula for overtime pay is:

Overtime Pay = Regular Hourly Rate × Overtime Hours × 1.5

Where:

• Regular Hourly Rate = the employee’s standard hourly wage (in dollars per hour)
• Overtime Hours = hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek (in hours)
• 1.5 = the FLSA overtime multiplier (time-and-a-half)

For a full workweek, total gross pay is:

Total Gross Pay = (Regular Rate × 40) + Overtime Pay

The calculator assumes a standard 40-hour workweek. If you work a different number of regular hours (e.g., a compressed schedule), adjust the calculation accordingly—overtime is only for hours over 40 in a workweek under federal law.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: hourly rate = $20.00, overtime hours = 10, pay frequency = weekly.

1. Calculate the overtime rate: $20.00 × 1.5 = $30.00 per overtime hour.
2. Multiply by overtime hours: $30.00 × 10 = $300.00 overtime pay.
3. Add regular pay for 40 hours: $20.00 × 40 = $800.00.
4. Total gross pay = $800.00 + $300.00 = $1,100.00.

The calculator shows $300.00 as overtime pay and $1,100.00 as total gross pay for the week (rounded to two decimals).

When to Use This Calculator

Use this tool if you are a non-exempt hourly employee or a salaried employee who qualifies for overtime under the FLSA. It helps you:

• Estimate your weekly or monthly take-home before deductions.
• Verify that your employer is paying the correct overtime rate.
• Plan your budget when you anticipate extra hours.
• Compare job offers with different hourly rates and overtime potential.

Keep in mind that this calculator provides a gross estimate—federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and other deductions are not included. Your actual net pay will be lower.

How to Read the Result

The first output, Overtime Pay, is the extra money you earn for hours beyond 40. The second output, Total Gross Pay, includes your regular pay for 40 hours plus the overtime premium. For example, if you earn $20/hour and work 50 hours, you get $800 for the first 40 hours and $300 for the 10 overtime hours, for a total of $1,100 before taxes.

If you are paid biweekly (every two weeks), the calculation is the same per workweek—just double the regular hours (80) and the overtime hours for the period. The calculator’s frequency option adjusts the regular hours accordingly (80 for biweekly, 173.2 for monthly) to give a total gross pay for that pay period.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One common error is thinking overtime is based on a daily threshold (e.g., 8 hours per day). Under federal law, overtime is only calculated per workweek, not per day. Some states have daily overtime laws, but the FLSA does not. Always check your state rules.

Another mistake is using a 1.5 multiplier for all overtime. While the FLSA mandates time-and-a-half, some employers offer double time (2.0) or other rates for holidays or Sundays—but those are not required by federal law. This calculator uses the standard 1.5 rate.

Also, be careful with salary calculations. If you are salaried and non-exempt, your regular rate is your weekly salary divided by the number of hours it is intended to cover (usually 40). For example, a $800/week salary for 40 hours gives a $20/hour regular rate. Overtime is then 1.5 × $20 = $30 per overtime hour.

Limits of the Formula

This calculator is accurate for straightforward hourly employees under the FLSA. It does not account for:

• Bonuses, commissions, or other incentive pay that must be included in the regular rate.
• Shift differentials or premium pay that may affect the regular rate.
• State-specific overtime laws that may be more generous than federal law.
• Exempt employees (e.g., salaried professionals, executives, administrators) who are not entitled to overtime.
• Tipped employees, where the regular rate may be calculated differently.

For complex situations, consult the US Department of Labor or a labor attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does overtime apply after 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week?

Under federal law (FLSA), overtime is due only after 40 hours in a workweek. Working 10 hours in one day does not trigger overtime unless the weekly total exceeds 40. Some states have daily overtime laws, but this calculator follows the federal standard.

Is overtime calculated on gross or net pay?

Overtime is calculated on your gross pay—your earnings before any deductions. The regular rate is your gross hourly wage, and the overtime premium is added to your gross pay. Taxes and other deductions are applied afterward.

Can I use this calculator if I am salaried?

Yes, if you are a non-exempt salaried employee. First, determine your regular rate by dividing your weekly salary by the number of hours it covers (typically 40). Enter that as your hourly rate. If your salary covers more than 40 hours (e.g., a fluctuating workweek), the calculation is more complex and may require a different method.

What if my employer pays me for overtime but at a lower rate?

Under the FLSA, non-exempt employees must receive at least 1.5 times their regular rate for overtime hours. If your employer pays less, you may have a legal claim. This calculator shows what the federal minimum overtime pay should be.

Does this calculator include state overtime rules?

No, it only uses the federal FLSA standard. Many states have additional overtime provisions, such as daily overtime or higher multipliers. Check your state’s labor department for specific rules that may apply to you.

How do I calculate overtime with a bonus?

Bonuses that are nondiscretionary must be included in the regular rate for overtime purposes. For example, if you earn a $100 production bonus in a week where you worked 45 hours, your regular rate is (regular pay + bonus) / total hours. Overtime is then half of that rate for the extra hours. This calculator does not handle bonuses—use it for basic hourly pay only.

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in rate | Hourly rate ($) | $ | 20.00 | 0
in hours | Overtime hours | hrs | 10 | 0
in freq | Pay frequency | Weekly=1, Biweekly=2, Monthly=4.33 | 1 | 0
out otpay | Overtime pay | $ | rate * hours * 1.5 | 2
out total | Total gross pay (with 40 regular hrs) | $ | (rate * 40) + otpay | 2