A timesheet showing clock-in and clock-out times isn't the same as a paycheck — lunch breaks need subtracting, and any hours beyond a threshold usually get paid at a higher rate. Getting both right is what turns raw hours into an accurate expected paycheck.

Total Hours Worked

The starting point is simple: end time minus start time, minus any unpaid break — typically a lunch break — gives the actual hours worked for that shift. Across a week, these daily totals add up to the total hours that determine both regular and overtime pay.

Where Overtime Kicks In

Overtime typically applies once total hours in a week cross a threshold — commonly 40 hours in many places, though this varies by jurisdiction and employer policy. Hours beyond that threshold are paid at a higher rate, not the regular rate.

The Overtime Multiplier

Time-and-a-half: the most common overtime multiplier is 1.5× the regular hourly rate — 40 regular hours plus 5 overtime hours at 1.5× pay is worth more than 45 hours all at the regular rate.

Some roles or agreements use a different multiplier (double-time for holidays, for example) — always check what multiplier actually applies before estimating pay.

Worked Example

At a $25/hour rate with overtime after 40 hours at 1.5×: working 45 hours in a week pays 40 × $25 = $1,000 in regular pay, plus 5 × $25 × 1.5 = $187.50 in overtime — a total of $1,187.50, not simply 45 × $25 = $1,125.

Step-by-Step: Calculate Your Pay

  1. Enter your hourly rate
  2. Enter the overtime threshold and multiplier that apply to you
  3. Enter your hours (with lunch breaks factored in) for each day or the week
  4. Review your total pay, split into regular and overtime

Try It Yourself

Use our free Hours Calculator — with lunch breaks and overtime pay

Open Hours Calculator →