Double-Time Calculator

Calculate your double-time pay (2x hourly rate). Used for California daily overtime over 12 hours, holidays, and union contracts.

Double time — pay at twice your regular hourly rate — applies in specific situations defined by state law or employer policy. California mandates double time for hours worked beyond 12 in a single workday. Many union contracts require double time on holidays or Sundays. Some employers voluntarily offer double time to attract workers for undesirable shifts.

Enter your hourly rate and the number of double-time hours, and this calculator shows your 2x rate, your double-time earnings, and total pay.

When double time is legally required:

California has the most robust double-time law in the US. Any non-exempt employee who works more than 12 hours in a single workday is entitled to double time for those additional hours. California also requires double time for all hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek, regardless of daily hours.

No other US state currently mandates daily double time at the 12-hour mark, though some states may have specific industry rules. Federal law (FLSA) doesn't require double time at any threshold.

Double time in union contracts:

How to use the Double-Time Calculator

  1. Enter your start time: Type or pick the time you started (or will start) your shift. Both 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour formats are accepted.
  2. Pick your shift length: Select your paid shift length — 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 hours, or any custom value. Half-hour options are available.
  3. Add your unpaid break: Choose any unpaid break that extends your time at work. Common options are 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes.
  4. Read your clock-out time: The result panel shows when you'll clock out, in both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. Overnight shifts display a +1 day badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is double-time pay?

Double time is pay at 2x your regular hourly rate. Mandatory in California after 12 hours in a single day, and on the seventh consecutive workday. Often offered voluntarily on holidays.

If I earn $20/hr, what is my double-time rate?

Your double-time rate is $40/hr ($20 × 2). For every hour of double time you work, you earn $40.

Does federal law require double-time pay?

No — FLSA doesn't require double time at any threshold. Only California mandates daily double time (after 12 hours or on the 7th consecutive workday). Other states may have specific industry rules.

Do I get double time on holidays?

Not automatically under federal law. Holiday double time is either contractually required (union agreements), a voluntary employer policy, or required by some state laws for specific industries. Check your employment contract or employee handbook.

How does double time interact with time-and-a-half?

They apply to different hour ranges. In California: regular rate for hours 1-8, time-and-a-half (1.5x) for hours 9-12, and double time (2x) for hours beyond 12 in a single workday.

Sources & Disclaimer

Overtime thresholds reference the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA, 40 hrs/week at 1.5x) plus state daily overtime rules (e.g., California Labor Code §510: 8h/day OT, 12h/day double-time). State labor laws vary — check your state's labor department. This calculator is informational only and is not legal, tax, or payroll advice.