California Overtime Calculator
Daily overtime after 8 hours, double time after 12, the 7th-consecutive-day rule, and the weekly 40-hour rule — applied in the order California requires, with no pyramiding. Free, no sign-up.
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Calculations run in your browser using the California (daily OT, double time, 7th-day) ruleset. Entries are saved on this device only — nothing is uploaded.
California's four rules, in the order this calculator applies them
California Labor Code §510 layers four rules on top of each other for standard non-exempt schedules. Getting the order right is what separates a correct paycheck from a plausible-looking one. Here is the exact sequence the engine runs, with a live example for each step:
1. Daily overtime — over 8 hours in a workday pays 1.5×
A single 10-hour shift splits into 8 regular + 2 overtime hours, even with nothing else worked that week. Federally this same day would be all regular.
2. Double time — over 12 hours in a workday pays 2×
A 13-hour day produces all three tiers at once: 8 regular, 4 at 1.5×, 1 at 2×. At $20/hour that's $160 + $120 + $40 = $320 — try it and check the pay panel.
3. The 7th-consecutive-day rule — the whole day is premium
Work all seven days of the workweek and the 7th day pays 1.5× for its first 8 hours and 2× beyond that, regardless of how short the shifts were.
4. The weekly 40-hour rule — applied last, with no pyramiding
After the daily and 7th-day rules run, any remaining regular hours past 40 in the week convert to 1.5×. Hours already promoted to overtime or double time are never counted twice.
Worked example: seven straight 8-hour days
This schedule trips two rules at once and is the case to test any CA calculator with. 56 hours total ends up as 40 regular and 16 overtime:
- Days 1–6 are 8 hours each — no daily overtime, so 48 hours enter the regular pool.
- Day 7 triggers the 7th-day rule: all 8 of its hours pay 1.5×, none of them regular.
- The weekly rule then looks at the regular pool only: 48 > 40, so 8 more hours convert to 1.5×.
- Result: 40 regular + (8 + 8) overtime. A calculator that pyramids would overcount; one that skips the 7th-day rule would pay 16 hours short per month of Sundays.
This exact scenario — along with single-day OT, double time, and no-pyramiding cases — is part of the automated test suite that must pass before any update to this site ships.
Other daily-overtime states
California isn't alone: Alaska also pays 1.5× past 8 hours a day, Nevada does for employees under 1.5× minimum wage, and Colorado triggers at 12 hours. Each calculator applies its state's exact rules.
Sources
- California Labor Code §510 — Overtime
- California DLSE — Overtime FAQ
- U.S. Department of Labor — Overtime Pay (FLSA)
Rules last reviewed:
Running payroll for a team?
A calculator is great for checking the math; payroll software applies these rules automatically every pay run. Tools small teams commonly compare:
Full-service payroll that files federal and state taxes automatically — popular with small teams.
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Disclosure: some of these may become affiliate links — if so, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which tools are listed.
Heads up: this calculator provides general information for standard non-exempt schedules, not legal or payroll advice. Alternative workweek schedules, meal/rest-break premiums, and split-shift premiums are not modeled. Verify edge cases with the California DLSE or a qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
- Does California have daily overtime?
- Yes. Unlike the federal weekly-only rule, California pays non-exempt employees 1.5× for hours beyond 8 in a single workday — even if the week stays under 40 hours. A single 10-hour day is 8 regular hours plus 2 overtime hours.
- When does double time apply in California?
- In two situations: after 12 hours in one workday, and after 8 hours on the 7th consecutive day worked in a workweek. A 13-hour day splits as 8 regular, 4 at 1.5×, and 1 at 2×.
- What is California's 7th-day rule?
- If you work all seven days of your employer's workweek, the entire 7th day is premium pay: the first 8 hours at 1.5× and anything beyond that at 2× — even if each shift was short.
- Can daily and weekly overtime stack on the same hours?
- No — California prohibits pyramiding. An hour already counted as daily overtime is not counted again toward the 40-hour weekly threshold. This calculator de-duplicates automatically, which is the step most generic calculators get wrong.
Not in California?
Most states follow the federal weekly-only rule — use the federal overtime calculator instead. Alaska, Nevada, and Colorado have their own daily rules; state-specific calculators for those are on the roadmap.
Built by an independent developer. HourLedger is built in public by a solo developer: every pay rule ships with automated tests, and your entries never leave your browser. Read the story, get in touch, or embed this calculator on your own site for free.
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