How our calculations work
Every result starts with the rates, hours and rules you enter. We separate the calculation into visible parts so you can compare each line with your time record, employer policy and pay stub.
We calculate straight-time earnings, overtime, shift differentials, weekend premiums and holiday premiums separately, then add them to estimate gross pay. We do not calculate taxes, deductions or take-home pay.
Pay-period calculator
- Overtime hours
- Maximum of zero or total hours minus the overtime threshold you entered.
- Regular pay
- Regular hours multiplied by the base hourly rate.
- Overtime pay
- Overtime hours multiplied by the base rate and the multiplier you entered.
- Shift differential
- Eligible differential hours multiplied by a flat premium, or by the base rate multiplied by the percentage entered.
- Weekend premium
- Eligible weekend hours multiplied by the per-hour weekend premium.
- Holiday premium
- Eligible holiday hours multiplied by the base rate and the portion of the holiday multiplier above 1.0.
- Estimated gross pay
- Regular pay, overtime pay and all entered premiums added together.
- Effective hourly rate
- Estimated gross pay divided by total paid hours.
Workweek versus pay period
Enter the overtime threshold that actually applies to the hours being calculated. Under the general federal rule for covered, nonexempt employees, overtime is commonly evaluated after 40 hours in a fixed workweek, not after 80 hours across two weeks. Some healthcare, public-safety, union or employer arrangements can use different rules. If your paycheck covers two weeks and the ordinary weekly rule applies, calculate each workweek separately and add the results.
Blended overtime estimate
When hours are worked at two straight-time rates, the tool adds the straight-time earnings from both rates and divides that amount by total hours to estimate a weighted regular rate. Overtime hours are then multiplied by one-half of that weighted rate because straight-time earnings for those hours are already included. Bonuses, exclusions and special agreements can change the legally required regular rate.
Extra-shift and PTO tools
The extra-shift calculator multiplies shift hours by the base rate and any selected special multiplier, then adds hourly night and weekend premiums. The PTO projection adds current balance and future accrual, then subtracts planned use. It does not know about accrual caps, waiting periods, carryover limits or employer adjustments unless you account for them in your inputs.
Schedule generator
The schedule generator repeats the selected work-and-off cycle from the first working date you provide. Projected hours equal scheduled workdays multiplied by the standard shift length associated with that pattern. Confirm several known dates before importing the calendar because swaps, leave, Kelly days and department-specific rotations are not known to the tool.
Rounding and privacy
Inputs accept decimal values, calculations use the browser's numeric precision and displayed currency is rounded to the nearest cent. Core calculations run in your browser. Nothing is sent to us when you enter a rate or schedule. Information is stored locally only when you choose a save option.
What the result can and cannot tell you
A result can help you recreate payroll math, identify a difference and prepare a clear question. It cannot determine wages legally owed, interpret every policy or replace official payroll, tax or legal advice. Always compare the estimate with your employer's written rules and the law that applies to your situation.