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.

Give it a go

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

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