How to Calculate Time and a Half (The 2026 Guide)
"Time and a Half" is the gold standard for overtime pay in the United States. Instituted by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), it ensures that hourly workers are fairly compensated for working long hours. Simply put: for every extra hour you work, you get paid 50% more than your usual rate.
The Multiplier
Your Base Hourly Rate
When does it start?
After 40 Hours
In a single, 168-hour workweek.
The Magic Number: 1.5
Calculating your exact overtime rate is incredibly straightforward. To find your time-and-a-half rate, you multiply your regular base pay by 1.5.
Common Overtime Conversions
Here is a quick reference table showing how common hourly wages convert into time-and-a-half rates:
| Regular Hourly Pay | Time and a Half (1.5x) |
|---|---|
| $15.00 / hr | $22.50 / hr |
| $18.00 / hr | $27.00 / hr |
| $20.00 / hr | $30.00 / hr |
| $25.00 / hr | $37.50 / hr |
| $30.00 / hr | $45.00 / hr |
When Does Time and a Half Apply?
Under federal labor law (FLSA), employers are legally required to pay non-exempt employees time and a half for any hours worked over 40 hours in a single workweek.
The California Exception (Daily Overtime)
While most of the US follows the 40-hour weekly rule, states like California, Alaska, and Nevada have stricter laws. In California, you must be paid time and a half if you work more than 8 hours in a single day, regardless of whether you hit 40 hours for the week.
How to Calculate Your Total Paycheck
Most paychecks are a mix of "Regular Hours" and "Overtime Hours." You must calculate these two buckets separately before adding them together. Here is the correct way to run the math:
Scenario: You worked 48 hours this week at $20/hr.
Don't want to do the math yourself?
Use Our Free Overtime Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get time and a half for working weekends or holidays?
No. This is the biggest myth in payroll. Federal law does not require employers to pay extra for nights, weekends, or holidays. You only get time and a half if those weekend hours push your total weekly hours past 40. (However, some union contracts or company policies do offer holiday pay voluntarily).
What is "Double Time"?
Double time means multiplying your base rate by 2.0. Under federal law, employers are never forced to pay double time. However, in California, you are entitled to double time for any hours worked beyond 12 hours in a single workday.
Can my boss force me to work overtime?
Generally, yes. Mandatory overtime is legal in the US. As long as you are aged 16 or older and your employer pays you the legally required 1.5x rate for the extra hours, they can require you to stay late.
Disclaimer: MyShiftCalc provides mathematical calculators and educational content, not legal advice. Overtime laws can vary significantly by state (especially in California, New York, and Colorado). Always consult your HR department or a labor attorney regarding wage disputes.