Double-Time Pay Calculator
Double time is a premium pay rate of twice an employee's regular hourly wage, often required by state law or union contracts for holidays, very long shifts, or the seventh consecutive workday. This calculator turns that into a precise figure: it doubles your hourly rate to get the double-time rate, then multiplies by the number of double-time hours worked. Enter your hourly rate and the double-time hours, and the tool returns the doubled rate per hour and the total double-time pay. Seeing both numbers makes it simple to verify a paycheck or weigh the value of working a holiday shift. The multiplier defaults to 2 because that is what double time means, but it is left editable in case a contract specifies a different premium. Unlike federal overtime, double time is not required by the Fair Labor Standards Act; it arises from state rules, such as California's daily threshold, or from collective bargaining agreements. This tool covers the double-time portion only; add it to your other pay to reach gross pay. Every figure here is computed deterministically from the formula shown in full below, with a worked example that reconciles exactly to the calculator so you can follow each step.
Double time pays twice the regular rate: double-time pay = 2 times rate times hours. At $20.00 an hour for 8 double-time hours, the rate is $40.00 and total double-time pay is $320.00.
Double-Time Pay formula
Double-time pay = rate x multiplier x hours
rate = your regular hourly pay
multiplier = 2 for double time
hours = number of hours paid at double time
Double time is not required by federal law; it comes from state rules or contracts. The multiplier of 2 doubles your regular rate for the qualifying hours.
Worked example
Find the double-time pay for 8 hours at a 20.00 hourly rate.
- Double-time rate: 20.00 x 2 = 40.00 per hour
- Multiply by hours: 40.00 x 8 = 320.00
- Total double-time pay = 320.00
These are the calculator's default inputs, so the result above matches the widget exactly.
Double-Time Pay Calculator: frequently asked questions
What is double-time pay?
Double-time pay is twice an employee's regular hourly rate. It is often paid for work on holidays, beyond a certain number of hours in a day, or on a seventh consecutive workday, depending on state law or a labor contract.
Is double time required by federal law?
No. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires only time-and-a-half overtime after 40 hours a week. Double time comes from state laws, such as California's, or from union and employer agreements.
When does California require double time?
California generally requires double time for hours worked beyond 12 in a workday and beyond 8 on the seventh consecutive day of a workweek. Always confirm against the current state rules for your situation.
Is double-time pay taxed more?
No. It is taxed as regular wages. A bigger paycheck can lead to more withholding for that period, but the tax rate on the income itself is unchanged.
What is the double-time pay formula?
Double-time pay equals the hourly rate times 2 times the hours. At 20.00 an hour for 8 hours, double-time pay is 320.00.
Official sources
- US federal payroll, withholding and reimbursement guidance: US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As at 25 June 2026.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 25 June 2026. See our methodology. This is general information, not financial, tax, legal or investment advice.