Free calculator
Overtime Calculator | UK
Overtime Calculator is designed to help you translate pay figures into take-home outcomes and compare compensation scenarios. It works best when you want a fast, comparable estimate before you speak to a lender, provider, adviser, employer, or supplier. Use it as a planning tool rather than a final quote. This version is framed for United Kingdom users where regional assumptions matter, so you can test a few scenarios and see how changes in the main inputs affect the outcome.
Interpretation
What your result means
Use the notes below to understand the main figures in your result and when this calculator is most useful.
When to use this calculator
- Before accepting a pay change, bonus, pension contribution, or salary-sacrifice option.
- When you want to compare employed, self-employed, or dividend-based income scenarios.
- When you need a simple take-home estimate before running payroll or filing returns.
Result
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how the key drivers affect the final outcome.
Next steps
What to do next
Continue with the most relevant next step based on your result.
Example
A realistic UK planning example
A realistic example to help you understand how the numbers fit together.
Hourly Rate (£)
5%
Normal Hours Worked
40 hours
Overtime Hours
40 hours
Overtime Multiplier (e.g. 1.5)
1.5
After entering these figures, focus on result first and then rerun the tool with a more cautious assumption.
Avoid mistakes
Common mistakes
A few things that often lead to misleading or incomplete results.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Helpful answers to common questions about this calculator.
How is overtime pay calculated in the UK?
Overtime pay depends on your employment contract. Common rates are time-and-a-half (1.5x) or double time (2x) your normal hourly rate, though UK law does not mandate overtime premium rates.
Is overtime pay mandatory in the UK?
UK employers are not legally required to pay a premium for overtime hours, but your average pay must not fall below the National Minimum Wage. Overtime terms are set by your employment contract.
Does overtime affect my tax?
Yes, overtime pay is subject to income tax and National Insurance like regular earnings. If overtime pushes you into a higher tax band, that portion is taxed at the higher rate.
What is the maximum number of hours I can work per week in the UK?
Under the Working Time Regulations, you cannot work more than 48 hours per week on average, calculated over 17 weeks. You can opt out of this limit voluntarily in writing.
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