Overtime Pay Calculator UK
Calculate overtime pay from your hourly rate, overtime hours and multiplier.
How it works
Compound interest earns returns on both your original money and the returns already added. Adding a regular monthly contribution accelerates growth further over time.
A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt) + contributions compounded monthly- Longer time horizons benefit most from compounding
- More frequent compounding gives slightly higher growth
- The donut shows how much of your final balance is interest vs money you put in.
Frequently asked questions
Is overtime paid at a higher rate in the UK?
Not by law. Any enhanced rate, such as time-and-a-half, depends on your contract; employers can pay the normal rate or offer time off in lieu.
What is the legal minimum for overtime?
Your average pay across all hours worked must not fall below the National Minimum or Living Wage, even when overtime is at the basic rate.
How is overtime pay calculated?
Multiply overtime hours by the agreed overtime rate (for example 1.5× your normal rate) and add it to your basic pay.
Is overtime taxed?
Yes. Overtime is taxed and has National Insurance deducted like the rest of your pay, so take-home is lower than the gross.
Is there a limit on working hours?
The Working Time Regulations limit the average working week to 48 hours unless you sign a written opt-out.
What is time off in lieu?
Paid time off given instead of extra pay for overtime worked, where the contract or employer offers it.
How overtime pay works in the UK
Unlike some countries, the UK has no legal right to a higher rate for overtime. What you are paid for extra hours depends on your employment contract — some employers pay time-and-a-half or double time, others pay the normal rate or offer time off in lieu. This calculator works out overtime and total pay from the rate you enter.
The one legal floor
The key statutory rule is that your average pay across total hours worked must not fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. So extra hours cannot drag your effective hourly pay below the legal minimum, even if they are paid at the basic rate.
Worked example
If your contract pays time-and-a-half and your normal rate is £12 an hour, 5 hours of overtime are paid at £18 each = £90, on top of your basic pay. At a flat rate, the same 5 hours would be £60.
Working time limits
Separately, the Working Time Regulations cap the average working week at 48 hours unless you opt out in writing. Overtime is taxed and has National Insurance deducted like normal pay, so the take-home from extra hours is less than the gross.
Results are estimates for general guidance in United Kingdom and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.