United Kingdom · Income Tools
Overtime Pay CalculatorTime and a half, enhanced rates, and double time — in pounds.
Enter your hourly rate and total hours worked to see exactly how much your overtime earns — weekly, monthly, and annually — in GBP.
- ✓Weekly, monthly, and annual overtime breakdowns
- ✓Supports time-and-a-half, double time, and custom rates
- ✓Instant results as you adjust your hours
Looking for a different region?
Even a few hours of overtime each week can add thousands of pounds to your annual income. See exactly how much with this tool.
1.5×
is the common overtime rate in the UK, though there is no statutory minimum for overtime pay above NMW
37.5h
is the UK standard full-time working week — overtime typically starts beyond your contracted hours
20%+
increase in weekly pay possible just by working a few extra hours each week
What this means for UK workers
Unlike the US, the UK has no statutory minimum overtime rate. Employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage for all hours worked, but overtime rates (time and a half, double time) are set by your employment contract.
When does overtime start?
Overtime in the UK starts when you work beyond your contracted hours — usually 37.5 or 40 hours/week. Check your contract for your specific threshold.
What rate will you be paid?
Many UK employers pay 1.5× for weekday overtime and 2× for Sunday or Bank Holiday working, but this is not required by law — it depends on your contract.
Small hours, big impact
At £15/hr with 1.5× overtime, working 5 extra hours each week adds over £5,850 gross per year. Use this calculator to see your exact figure.
How it works
Enter your hourly rate
Type in your base hourly wage before any overtime premium — this is the rate shown on your payslip or contract.
Set your weekly hours
Enter the total hours you worked that week, including overtime. The calculator automatically separates regular from overtime hours based on your contracted threshold.
Choose your multiplier
Select 1.5× (time and a half), 2× (double time), or enter a custom rate if your employer uses a flat enhanced rate or a different contractual arrangement.
What you can do next
Once you know your overtime figure, here are the most valuable steps to take.
Check what your contract says
There is no legal overtime rate in the UK — your rate is entirely set by your contract. Review your employment contract or employee handbook to confirm exactly what rate applies and when overtime is triggered.
Factor in tax and NI
Overtime pay is taxed the same as regular pay under PAYE. Use the Take Home Pay Calculator to see exactly how much of your overtime you actually keep after income tax and National Insurance.
Understand how it affects holiday pay
If your overtime is regular and consistent, UK employment law may require your employer to include it in your holiday pay calculation. If you believe this applies to you, raise it with HR.
How does overtime pay work in the UK?
In the UK, overtime pay is governed by your employment contract rather than statutory law. There is no legal requirement to pay a premium rate for overtime — as long as your total pay for all hours worked doesn't fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Most employers that do offer overtime pay use a rate of 1.5× (time and a half) for standard overtime and 2× (double time) for Sundays, Bank Holidays, or very long shifts. Some use a flat enhanced rate instead. Always check your contract or employee handbook for the exact terms that apply to you.
Does overtime count towards pension and holiday pay in the UK?
Following changes to UK employment law, regular voluntary overtime may need to be included when calculating holiday pay. The rules depend on whether overtime is contractual or truly voluntary, and how regular it is. For pension auto-enrolment, overtime pay may or may not be included in "qualifying earnings" depending on your scheme rules.
Overtime and tax in the UK
Overtime pay is subject to the same income tax and National Insurance contributions as your regular pay. If extra overtime pushes you into a higher tax band in a particular month, you may pay more tax on those earnings — though this typically evens out across the tax year under PAYE. This calculator shows gross figures only.
Worked example: 42-hour week at £15/hr
Say your contracted hours are 40/week, your hourly rate is £15, and your employer pays 1.5× for overtime. Here is how your weekly pay breaks down:
| Component | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Regular pay (40h) | 40 × £15.00 | £600.00 |
| Overtime pay (2h × 1.5×) | 2 × £22.50 | £45.00 |
| Total weekly (gross) | £645.00 | |
| Annual projection | £645 × 52 | £33,540 |
Figures are gross. Use the Take Home Pay Calculator to see the net amount after PAYE and National Insurance.
National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage 2025/26
Regardless of what overtime rate your contract sets, your total pay across all hours worked must never fall below the applicable NMW/NLW rate. Here are the current rates:
| Age group | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.21 |
| 18–20 | £10.00 |
| Under 18 | £7.55 |
| Apprentice | £7.55 |
Rates effective April 2025. Check gov.uk for the latest figures.
Important
This calculator provides gross estimates only and does not account for income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, or employer-specific policies. Consult your employer or an employment adviser for figures specific to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK employers have to pay overtime?
No — there is no legal minimum overtime rate in the UK. Employers must ensure total pay across all hours worked does not fall below the National Minimum Wage, but any premium for overtime hours above that is a contractual matter. Always check your employment contract or employee handbook.
What is time and a half in the UK?
Time and a half means you are paid 1.5× your normal hourly rate for overtime hours. For example, if your standard rate is £14/hr, time and a half is £21/hr. Some employers use double time (2×) for Sundays, Bank Holidays, or extended overnight shifts.
Does working overtime affect my holiday pay in the UK?
Possibly. Following UK employment tribunal rulings, regular and consistent voluntary overtime may need to be factored into holiday pay calculations. If you regularly work overtime, you may be entitled to holiday pay that reflects your typical earnings, not just your contracted hours.
Is overtime pay taxable in the UK?
Yes. Overtime pay is treated the same as regular pay under PAYE. It is subject to income tax and National Insurance contributions. If your overtime pushes you over a tax band threshold in a given month, you may pay a higher rate on the excess, but this usually self-corrects over the tax year.
What is the maximum number of hours I can work per week in the UK?
Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, workers cannot be required to work more than an average of 48 hours per week (averaged over 17 weeks) unless they sign a written opt-out agreement. There is no legal limit on hours for those who opt out, but employers must still protect workers’ health and safety.
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