How does the hourly paycheck calculator calculate gross pay?
Regular earnings equal hourly rate times regular hours. Overtime earnings equal hourly rate times the overtime multiplier times overtime hours entered.
Does federal law always require 1.5× overtime?
The FLSA generally requires at least time-and-one-half after 40 hours in a workweek for covered, nonexempt employees, but exemptions and special rules apply and state law can provide stronger protections.
How does this calculator estimate take-home pay?
It annualizes the current gross pay for a federal income-tax planning estimate, calculates current-period employee FICA, applies the state/local effective rate entered, and subtracts entered deductions.
Should I enter overtime hours from more than one week together?
Be careful: federal overtime is generally determined on a workweek basis. If a pay period contains two weeks, employer payroll may calculate overtime separately for each workweek.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and methodology
The calculator uses the current federal figures or official agency guidance described below where those rules apply. State-specific results should always be checked with the relevant state tax authority.