How to Calculate Pay From Hours Worked
Calculating gross pay from hours worked requires multiplying your total hours by your hourly pay rate, taking into account any overtime hours worked during the pay period. Use these standard payroll formulas:
Regular Pay = Regular Hours × Hourly Rate
Overtime Pay = Overtime Hours × Hourly Rate × Overtime Multiplier
Total Gross Pay = Regular Pay + Overtime Pay
Hours to Pay Examples
The table below shows sample gross pay calculations based on standard hourly rates, regular work hours, and overtime hours at a 1.5x multiplier:
| Total Hours Worked | Hourly Rate | Overtime Hours (1.5x) | Estimated Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 hours | $18.00 / hr | 0 hrs | $630.00 |
| 40 hours | $20.00 / hr | 0 hrs | $800.00 |
| 45 hours (40 reg + 5 OT) | $20.00 / hr | 5 hrs ($30.00/hr) | $950.00 |
| 50 hours (40 reg + 10 OT) | $25.00 / hr | 10 hrs ($37.50/hr) | $1,375.00 |
Understanding Overtime Rules and Location Variance
Overtime regulations vary depending on your location, employment status, and local labor laws. In the United States, federal law under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime pay of 1.5x for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek for non-exempt employees. However, state regulations may impose additional rules (such as daily overtime thresholds after 8 hours in California). Always verify your specific state, national, or contract regulations when determining overtime eligibility.
For detailed overtime breakdowns, try our specialized Overtime Pay Calculator.
Converting Minutes to Decimal Hours for Payroll
Because payroll software processes working hours in decimal format, timecard minutes must be converted into decimals before multiplying by your pay rate. Divide minutes by 60 to calculate the decimal fraction:
| Minutes Worked | Decimal Equivalent | Example Pay ($20/hr Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 0.25 hrs | $5.00 |
| 30 minutes | 0.50 hrs | $10.00 |
| 45 minutes | 0.75 hrs | $15.00 |
Related Payroll & Time Tracking Tools
Need more help tracking hours or calculating paycheck totals? Explore our companion tools:
- Working Hours Calculator: Calculate total hours worked across custom shift start and end times.
- Weekly Timesheet Calculator: Track 7-day weekly work hours and calculate total timesheet hours for payroll.
- Time Card Calculator: Calculate weekly timesheets with automated break and lunch deductions.
- Overtime Pay Calculator: Calculate overtime earnings based on FLSA and state overtime rules.
- Paycheck Estimator: Estimate net paycheck totals after taxes and payroll deductions.
- Salary Converter: Convert hourly wage rates into weekly, monthly, and annual salary equivalents.