How to Calculate Time and a Half (With Examples)

Time and a half means paying 1.5 times the regular hourly rate — the standard overtime rate for hours worked beyond the threshold. The calculation is quick once you know the two steps. This guide shows how, with examples for common wages and the details that trip people up.

What time and a half means

"Time and a half" is 150% of the regular rate. It's most often paid for hours over 40 in a workweek (the standard US overtime threshold), and sometimes for holidays or hours past a daily limit, depending on the rules that apply to you.

The two-step calculation

Step 1: Find the time-and-a-half rate. Multiply the regular hourly rate by 1.5.

Step 2: Multiply by overtime hours. Multiply that rate by the number of overtime hours worked.

That's it. The regular hours are still paid at the normal rate; only the overtime hours get the 1.5× rate.

Example 1: $20/hour

• Time-and-a-half rate: $20 × 1.5 = $30/hour
• 5 overtime hours: 5 × $30 = $150 in overtime pay

Example 2: $18/hour

• Rate: $18 × 1.5 = $27/hour
• 8 overtime hours: 8 × $27 = $216

Example 3: A full week at $25/hour

Someone works 46 hours:

• Regular: 40 × $25 = $1,000
• Overtime rate: $25 × 1.5 = $37.50
• Overtime: 6 × $37.50 = $225
• Total: $1,225

Quick reference

• $15/hr → $22.50 overtime
• $20/hr → $30.00
• $25/hr → $37.50
• $30/hr → $45.00

Just multiply any rate by 1.5 to get its time-and-a-half rate.

Watch the details

• Overtime is per workweek, not per pay period — total each week separately.
• The "regular rate" may include bonuses. Nondiscretionary bonuses can raise the base the 1.5× applies to.
• Double time is different — that's 2× the rate, required only in certain situations.
• Only non-exempt employees earn overtime; exemption depends on duties and salary level.

Let it calculate automatically

Applying 1.5× to the right hours, every week, is exactly the kind of task software does perfectly. Timesheet Maker totals each workweek, identifies overtime hours, and applies your time-and-a-half rate automatically — so overtime pay is correct without any manual multiplication.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate time and a half? Multiply the hourly rate by 1.5 to get the overtime rate, then multiply that by the overtime hours. A $20 rate becomes $30, so 5 overtime hours is $150.

What is time and a half for $15 an hour? $15 × 1.5 = $22.50 per overtime hour.

Is time and a half required by law? In the US, non-exempt employees must generally get at least 1.5× for hours over 40 in a workweek. Exact rules vary, so check what applies to you.

What's the difference between time and a half and double time? Time and a half is 1.5× the regular rate; double time is 2×. Double time applies only where a contract or specific law requires it.

Get overtime pay right

Multiply the rate by 1.5, apply it to overtime hours, and total each week separately. To make it automatic, try Timesheet Maker free.