Overtime calculator
Use this overtime calculator to work out what your extra hours are worth at time and a quarter, time and a half, double time or a rate of your own. You can also see an estimate of what you keep after income tax and National Insurance. Your contract sets your overtime rate, so check it first.
Rules last checked 13 October 2026. Tax year 2026/27.
How do you want to enter your normal pay?
Overtime rate
How often do you work this overtime?
Used only to estimate income tax and National Insurance on the extra pay. Leave it empty to skip.
Enter your pay, overtime rate and hours to see your overtime pay.
Nothing you enter leaves your device. This is an estimate, not advice. Your payslip shows what you are actually paid.
How overtime pay is worked out
Overtime pay = your hourly rate × your overtime multiplier × the overtime hours. For example, £15.00 an hour at time and a half for 10 hours is £15.00 × 1.5 × 10 = £225.00.
| Rate | Pays |
|---|---|
| Time and a quarter | 1.25 times your hourly rate |
| Time and a half | 1.5 times your hourly rate |
| Double time | 2 times your hourly rate |
These are common ways of describing a rate. They are not legal rates. Your contract says which rate applies to you.
Do employers have to pay overtime?
GOV.UK says employers do not have to pay workers for overtime. If you have normal working hours, overtime usually means any time you work beyond the hours fixed by your employment contract. Your employment contract will usually include details of any overtime pay rates and how they are worked out.
Overtime for part-time workers
Part-time workers usually must not be treated less favourably than full-time staff. You will normally get paid at your hourly rate if you work longer hours than set out in your employment contract.
Your employer will usually only pay overtime if the extra hours go beyond the normal full-time hours and full-time employees get a premium for them, or if the work is at unsocial times and full-time employees earn more for it. Your contract will say if your right to paid overtime is different.
Compulsory overtime and the 48-hour limit
You only have to work overtime if your contract says so. Unless your contract guarantees overtime, your employer can end your overtime at any time.
By law you cannot usually be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours a week, normally averaged over 17 weeks. Working more requires your written and signed agreement. Your employer cannot discriminate against anyone in giving out overtime.
Overtime and the minimum wage
Your average pay for the total hours you work must not fall below the National Minimum Wage. The National Living Wage is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026. See all minimum wage rates on GOV.UK.
Is overtime taxed?
Overtime is added to your other pay, so income tax and National Insurance apply to it, and part of it can fall into a higher band.
| Band | Rate |
|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570 tax-free |
| Basic rate | 20% on taxable income up to £37,700 |
| Higher rate | 40% from £37,701 to £125,140 |
| Additional rate | 45% above £125,140 |
The Personal Allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income over £100,000.
Employee National Insurance (Class 1) is 8% on monthly pay between £1,048 and £4,189, and 2% above £4,189.
Scotland has different income tax rates and is not covered.
What this calculator does not include
- Student loan repayments.
- Pension contributions.
- Changes to your tax code.
- Benefits and tax credits.
- Scottish income tax.
- Time off instead of pay.
- Whether your average pay meets the minimum wage.
- Holiday pay on overtime.
Taking time off? Check your leave with the holiday pay calculator.
Work in the NHS? See your full pay breakdown with the NHS take-home pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate overtime pay?
Multiply your hourly rate by your overtime multiplier and by the number of overtime hours. For example, £15.00 an hour at time and a half for 10 hours is £15.00 x 1.5 x 10 = £225.00.
What is time and a half?
Time and a half means each overtime hour pays 1.5 times your normal hourly rate. Double time means 2 times, and time and a quarter means 1.25 times. Your contract says which rate applies to you.
Do employers have to pay overtime?
No. GOV.UK says employers do not have to pay workers for overtime. Your employment contract will usually include details of any overtime pay rates and how they are worked out.
How do I work out my hourly rate from my salary?
One common method is to divide your annual salary by 52 and then by your weekly hours. This calculator uses that method. Your contract may use a different one.
Is overtime taxed?
Yes. Overtime is added to your other pay, so income tax and National Insurance apply, and part of it can be taxed at a higher rate.
Do I have to work overtime?
You only have to work overtime if your contract says so. By law you cannot usually be forced to work more than an average of 48 hours a week.
Can overtime take me below the minimum wage?
Overtime does not reduce the minimum wage. Your average pay for the total hours you work must not fall below the National Minimum Wage.
Do part-time workers get overtime?
Part-time workers are normally paid at their hourly rate for longer hours than their contract sets out. Your employer will usually only pay overtime if the extra hours go beyond normal full-time hours and full-time employees get a premium, or if the work is at unsocial times and full-time employees earn more for it.
Sources
Rules checked against these official pages on 13 October 2026:
Read how we keep calculators accurate, or browse all UK calculators.
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