How to Calculate Time and a Half Pay

What Does "Time and a Half" Mean?

Time and a half is overtime pay calculated at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate. It is the standard overtime multiplier under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Time and a Half Calculator: Quick Method

1. Find your regular hourly rate — your base wage before overtime.
2. Multiply by 1.5 — that is your time-and-a-half rate.
3. Count overtime hours — usually hours over 40 in the week (or over state daily limits).
4. Multiply overtime hours × overtime rate — add to regular pay for total gross.

Or skip the math: use our freetime and a half calculator to enter your rate and hours and see regular pay, overtime pay, and total instantly.

Worked Example #1: Straightforward Weekly Overtime

Marcus earns $22/hour and works 46 hours in one week.

• Regular rate: $22/hour
• Time-and-a-half rate: $22 × 1.5 = $33/hour
• Regular hours: 40 × $22 = $880
• Overtime hours: 6 × $33 = $198
• Total gross pay: $1,078

Worked Example #2: Salaried Employee Converted to Hourly

Priya is salaried at $780/week and works 44 hours. First convert salary to an hourly equivalent for overtime math (employers use more precise methods; this is a simplified estimate):

• Implied hourly rate: $780 ÷ 40 = $19.50/hour
• Time-and-a-half rate: $19.50 × 1.5 = $29.25/hour
• Overtime: 4 hours × $29.25 = $117
• Estimated total: $780 + $117 = $897

Note: Employers must include certain bonuses and differentials in the "regular rate" for overtime. When in doubt, use our salary to hourly calculator as a starting point.

Worked Example #3: California Daily Overtime

In California, overtime can trigger before 40 weekly hours if you work long days. Ana earns $20/hour and works 10 hours on Tuesday (all other days are 8 hours):

• First 8 hours Tuesday: 8 × $20 = $160 (regular)
• Hours 9–10 Tuesday: 2 × $30 = $60 (time and a half)
• Other days: 32 × $20 = $640
• Total: $860 (California rules; federal-only states would pay all 42 hours at $20 until 40+ weekly)

When Do You Earn Time and a Half?

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong base rate — shift differentials and non-discretionary bonuses often belong in the regular rate.
• Assuming weekends are automatic overtime — only total hours matter under federal law unless state rules say otherwise.
• Averaging two weeks — each workweek stands alone; you cannot offset 50 hours in week one with 30 in week two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is time and a half of $15 an hour?

$15 × 1.5 = $22.50 per overtime hour.

What is time and a half of $25 an hour?

$25 × 1.5 = $37.50 per overtime hour.

Do part-time workers get time and a half?

Yes, if they are non-exempt and exceed overtime thresholds (usually 40 hours in a week). Part-time status alone does not remove overtime rights. See our guide onpart-time vs full-time hours.

Is double time the same as time and a half?

No. Double time is 2× your regular rate. Time and a half is 1.5×. Some states (like California) require double time in specific situations, such as after 12 hours in a workday.

Related Guides

Conclusion

Time and a half is simply your hourly rate multiplied by 1.5, applied to qualifying overtime hours. Know your regular rate, count overtime hours correctly, and check state rules if you work long days. When you want to verify a paycheck, use our time and a half calculator orpaycheck calculator.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or payroll advice. Confirm calculations with your employer or payroll provider.