Calculate overtime pay

Separate base and premium

Overtime total = overtime hours × base rate × full multiplier. The premium alone = overtime hours × base rate × (multiplier − 1). The multiplier includes the base portion: at 1.5×, the additional portion is 0.5×.

For a combined estimate, add regular hours × regular rate to the overtime total. Do not add the overtime base a second time. Keep the number of eligible hours separate from the question of what rate applies.

Five overtime hours

Assume five overtime hours, a €15 hourly base rate and a chosen 1.5× multiplier. Overtime base is 5 × €15 = €75. The additional premium is 5 × €15 × 0.5 = €37.50. Total overtime pay is €112.50 gross.

With 40 regular hours at the same base rate, regular pay is €600. Combined pay is €600 + €112.50 = €712.50 gross. These hours and rates are illustrative assumptions, not a universal overtime threshold or entitlement.

Calculate regular pay and overtime separately.

Find the eligible hours

Daily, weekly, pay-period and other overtime triggers can differ. A two-week pay period does not by itself mean that hours can be averaged between weeks. Part-time hours are not automatically overtime, and a salary alone does not answer every eligibility question.

Check the applicable employment agreement, collective agreement and official local guidance. Confirm what counts toward the threshold, which workweek is used, and whether leave or other non-worked hours are included. This guide does not decide those rules.

Compare chosen multipliers

On a narrow screen, scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.

The table shows arithmetic only. It does not identify the rate an employer owes.

Check overlapping premiums

A late shift might also involve night, weekend or holiday pay. Agreements can add premiums, apply one rate instead of another, or use a different base when calculating overtime. Multiplying every number together can substantially overstate an estimate.

Write the rule in words first: for example, “base pay plus €3 for each eligible night hour.” Then determine separately how any overtime interacts with that premium. If the rule is unknown, show separate scenarios rather than presenting one as certain.

Before comparing a payslip

1. Match the exact workweek and pay-period dates.
2. Confirm eligible overtime hours from actual records.
3. Check the base rate and the full multiplier or stated flat rate.
4. Separate base pay, premium and total overtime pay.
5. Check the treatment of other premiums and rounding.
6. Compare gross figures before examining deductions.

For an unresolved difference, bring the dated records and agreement to payroll or a qualified local adviser. This general method does not replace jurisdiction-specific advice.