Compute overtime pay: overtime hourly rate = regular hourly wage × overtime multiplier; overtime pay = overtime rate × overtime hours.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:Overtime pay is the normal wage multiplied by an overtime multiplier, then by the overtime hours.
Formula
overtimeRate = regularWage × multiplier
overtimePay = overtimeRate × overtimeHours
$$\\text{OT Rate} = \\text{Wage} \\times m$$How to Use
- Enter the regular hourly wage.
- Enter the overtime multiplier and hours.
- Read the overtime rate and pay.
FAQ
What is 'time and a half' and how is overtime pay worked out?
'Time and a half' means the overtime hourly rate equals 1.5 times the normal hourly wage—the normal wage plus half again as extra compensation. The calculation has two steps. First, the overtime rate: normal wage × overtime multiplier. At time-and-a-half (1.5×), a HK$200 normal wage gives an overtime rate of HK$300. Second, the overtime pay: overtime rate × overtime hours. Ten hours at HK$300 gives HK$3,000. Besides 1.5× time-and-a-half, the other common term is 'double time' (2×), usually for special periods such as public holidays, late night or beyond a threshold; just enter 2 as the multiplier. The higher rate reflects that overtime takes rest time and deserves extra pay while also discouraging employers from over-scheduling it. This calculator lets you enter any multiplier to match 1.5×, 2× or a contractual rate.
In Hong Kong, is overtime always paid at time and a half?
This is important and often misunderstood: time-and-a-half is mainly a statutory rule in places like the US, and Hong Kong is different—do not assume it applies. In the US, the Fair Labour Standards Act requires eligible non-exempt employees to be paid at least 1.5× their normal wage for hours over 40 per week. In Hong Kong, the Employment Ordinance has no general provision forcing all employers to pay 1.5× (or any specific multiple) for overtime. So in Hong Kong: (1) whether overtime is paid at all, and at what rate (1×, 1.5×, or as time off in lieu), depends on the individual employment contract and company policy. (2) Practices vary widely by industry and firm—some have clear overtime policies, some substitute compensatory leave, some treat it as included in a fixed salary. (3) Certain sectors or situations may have their own conventions or rules. To know your entitlement, check your contract, your HR policy, or consult the Labour Department. This calculator computes the amount for the multiplier you enter and assumes you already know the applicable rate; whether that rate applies is a contract/law matter.
What else should I watch for when using the overtime calculator?
Beyond the multiplier, a few practical points. First, confirm the normal hourly wage. If you are paid monthly or annually, convert it to an hourly rate first (using our salary-to-hourly tool) on a reasonable hours basis—a wrong base makes the whole overtime figure wrong. Second, match the multiplier to the correct period. Overtime is often tiered: weekdays might be 1.5×, holidays or late night 2×. If your overtime spans different rates, split the hours by rate and sum them rather than applying one rate to all. Third, the result is pre-tax—overtime is assessable income like normal pay, so deduct tax for take-home. Fourth, overtime vs time off in lieu: some employers give compensatory leave instead of cash, which is a different benefit from this calculator's amount. Fifth, keep good hours records as evidence. Sixth, reconcile the payslip against the amount you computed. This tool is a convenient estimator; actual overtime entitlement and rate follow your contract and Hong Kong labour law.
Hong Kong has no statutory 1.5× overtime—what protection exists for overtime?
Although there is no general 1.5× statutory rule, overtime is not unprotected—relevant safeguards sit in other Ordinance provisions and contract terms. First, the contract is central: whether and at what rate overtime is paid (1×, 1.5× or leave) is mainly set by your employment contract and company policy; if the contract states a rate, the employer must pay it—that is contractually binding. Second, rest days and holidays have basic protection: continuous-contract employees get at least one rest day per 7 days and statutory holidays and paid annual leave; work on a rest day or holiday must be handled with substitute leave or as prescribed. Third, holiday and leave pay definitions: when computing the 'daily wage' for annual leave or statutory holiday pay, overtime pay paid regularly over the preceding period (usually 12 months) may count toward average wages, indirectly affecting several statutory sums. Fourth, overtime cannot be used to evade basic rights—employers cannot arrange excessive hours to deny rest days, holidays or minimum wage (Hong Kong has a statutory minimum wage; the average hourly rate over total hours must not fall below it). So even without a 1.5× clause, watch your contract, keep records, and ensure total pay is not below minimum wage. Consult the Labour Department if in doubt. Specific rights follow the latest Employment Ordinance and your contract.
Is the extra money from overtime worth it—how should I weigh it?
Overtime adds income, but whether it is worth it needs the non-monetary costs on the scale too. In numbers: this calculator shows the marginal return clearly—at HK$200 and 1.5×, each overtime hour earns an extra HK$300; at a holiday 2×, HK$400. That is real extra income useful for saving, debt repayment or short-term goals. But note: (1) tax and take-home—overtime is taxable and raises your annual total, so the net is a bit less; our salaries-tax tool can estimate it. (2) opportunity cost of time—overtime uses time for rest, family or upskilling; occasional extra work is fine, but chronic heavy overtime can hurt health, relationships and long-term career (e.g. no time to learn higher-value skills). (3) diminishing marginal utility—once basics are covered, extra overtime income often matters less than the rest it costs. A pragmatic approach: set a clear goal (e.g. 'save HK$30,000 for an emergency fund in six months'), use this calculator to work back how many hours that needs, then return to normal hours—rather than trading time for money endlessly. Long term, raising your normal hourly wage (raises, job moves, upskilling) usually improves income more effectively than overtime.
Content review: Calculatorism Finance Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.