How is overtime pay calculated in the UK?

Overtime pay is calculated by multiplying your regular hourly rate by an overtime multiplier. Time and a half means 1.5× your regular rate. Double time means 2× your rate. Police and NHS workers often use time and a third (1.33×). So if you earn £15/hr, time and a half gives you £22.50/hr for overtime hours.

What is time and a half?

Time and a half means you earn 1.5 times your regular hourly rate for overtime hours. For example, if your base rate is £14/hr, your time-and-a-half overtime rate is £21/hr. In the UK, time and a half is the most common overtime rate for shift workers.

How much is double time?

Double time means you earn exactly twice your regular hourly rate. If your base rate is £15/hr, double time pays £30/hr. Double time is commonly paid on public holidays and bank holidays in the UK. Use this calculator to instantly see your double time pay for any number of overtime hours.

What is the police overtime rate in the UK?

Police officers in the UK are typically paid time and a third (1.33×) for overtime on rest days, rising to double time (2×) for certain public holiday working. The exact rates depend on the officer's rank and force. Enter your hourly rate in this calculator and select 1.33× to see your police rest day overtime pay instantly.

How do I calculate NHS overtime pay?

NHS overtime pay under Agenda for Change depends on your band and the day/time worked. Most unsocial hours attract time and a third (1.33×); Sundays and bank holidays attract time and a half (1.5×) or higher. Enter your NHS band hourly rate and select the appropriate multiplier in this free calculator.

How many hours of overtime can I work in the UK?

In the UK, the Working Time Regulations typically limit average working time to 48 hours per week, though workers can opt out of this limit. Your employer's policy and contract will define when overtime kicks in, usually after 37.5 or 40 hours.

Is overtime pay taxed differently?

Overtime pay is taxed at your marginal income tax rate — the same as your regular pay. Additional overtime earnings may push you into a higher tax bracket for that pay period. Use the tax estimate toggle in this calculator for a take-home estimate.

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Calculate Your Overtime Pay

Time and a half, double time, police time and a third, NHS Agenda for Change rates — calculated instantly. Free, no sign-up required.

Hourly Rate

Regular Hours

hrs

Overtime Hours

hrs

Overtime Rate

×1.5 Time & Half

×1⅓ Time & Third

×2.0 Double Time

×? Custom

Custom Multiplier

Pay Period

Tax / Deductions

Estimated — always verify with HMRC or your payroll

Your Pay Breakdown

This shift

Regular Pay (37.5h) £0.00

Overtime Pay (8h) £0.00

Gross Total £0.00

Tax / Deductions (0%) −£0.00

Estimated Take-Home

£ 0.00

OT RATE: £0.00/hr

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💡 Pro Tip: If your employer pays different rates for unsocial hours (like nights or weekends), you can use the Custom Multiplier to get an exact match.

How it works

Understanding Overtime

New to shift work? Here's the breakdown of the most common overtime terms used in the UK.

🕒

Time and a Half

The most common UK overtime rate. You earn your base rate plus an extra 50%. Rate x 1.5

⚡

Double Time

Common for bank holidays, Sundays, or emergency call-outs. You earn twice your usual pay. Rate x 2.0

🌙

Unsocial Enhancements

NHS workers often get "Time and a Third" (x1.33) for Saturdays or late shifts. Rate x 1⅓

FAQ

Common Questions

How much overtime am I allowed to work?

Under the UK Working Time Regulations, you cannot be forced to average more than 48 hours per week over a 17-week reference period — unless you voluntarily sign an opt-out agreement. Many shift workers in healthcare, emergency services, and logistics do sign such opt-outs.

Does overtime affect my tax bracket?

Overtime pay is taxed in the same way as your regular salary — under PAYE in the UK. If extra overtime earnings push your total pay into the higher rate band (40%) for a given pay period, HMRC may deduct more tax that month, though this often corrects itself across the year.

What's the difference between gross and net overtime pay?

Gross pay is the total before any deductions. Net pay (take-home) is what actually lands in your bank account after income tax, National Insurance, pension contributions, and any other deductions. Expand the tax section above to estimate your take-home.

Can I track my overtime automatically instead of calculating manually?

Yes — that's exactly what Overtime Live does. Start a shift, set your rate (including time and a half or double time), and watch your earnings grow in real-time on your lock screen via Live Activities. It also tracks your yearly totals, achievements, and goals. Download it free →

🚔 Police & NHS

UK Public Sector Overtime Rates

Police and NHS workers have specific overtime rules. Here's what the common multipliers mean for your pay.

🚔

Police Overtime (Rest Day)

Officers called in on a rest day are typically paid time and a third (×1.33). For Inspectors and above this can be higher. Double time applies on certain bank holidays.

🏥

NHS Unsocial Hours (Saturday)

NHS Agenda for Change workers earn time and a third (×1.33) for Saturday hours. Use Band 5 hourly rate (~£14.10/hr) as a starting point to check your pay.

☀️

NHS Sunday & Bank Holiday

Sundays and public holidays attract time and two-thirds (×1.67) under most NHS AfC contracts. Some legacy contracts pay double time on bank holidays.

💷

Police Public Holiday

Police working on public holidays where they were not scheduled may receive double time (×2.0). Check your force's policy — rates vary between forces.

How to use this calculator for police or NHS overtime: Enter your base hourly rate → select or type your multiplier (1.33 for time and a third, 1.5 for time and a half, 2.0 for double time) → enter your overtime hours. Your gross overtime total updates instantly. Read our full NHS overtime guide →

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Overtime Live tracks your earnings live, shift by shift — so you always know exactly where you stand.

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How Overtime Pay Is Calculated in the UK

In the UK, there is no legal entitlement to overtime pay above your normal rate. However, most employers offer enhanced rates for extra hours worked. The most common overtime rates are time and a half (1.5x) and double time (2x) your regular hourly rate.

For example, if your base hourly rate is £15, time and a half pays £22.50 per overtime hour, while double time pays £30. Many NHS workers on Agenda for Change contracts receive enhanced rates for unsocial hours — typically time and a third for Saturdays and time and two-thirds for Sundays and bank holidays.

Police officers in England and Wales receive overtime at time and a third for weekdays and double time for rest days, public holidays, and some other circumstances. Use the calculator above to check your exact overtime pay for any rate.

Remember: overtime counts towards your total taxable income. If your combined regular and overtime pay crosses a tax band threshold, the overtime portion may be taxed at a higher rate. Use the tax estimate feature above for an approximate breakdown.