Double Time Calculator
Double time means being paid twice your normal hourly rate for overtime. Enter your hourly rate and the number of overtime hours below to get an instant gross pay figure at double time.
What is double time?
Double time means being paid twice your normal hourly rate for each hour of overtime. If your normal rate is £15 an hour, double time comes to £30 per overtime hour. Employers most commonly use double time for premium or unsociable working occasions, such as bank holidays, Sundays, or overtime called in at very short notice.
As with all UK overtime rates, double time is not required by law. There is no statutory rule setting bank holiday, Sunday, or any other overtime at double time; it is entirely a matter of what your employer has agreed to pay through your contract, staff handbook, or a workplace agreement. Some employers choose double time to recognise the inconvenience of premium working times, but plenty of others pay a flat rate or time and a half instead.
Double time worked examples
| Hourly rate | Double-time rate | 5 hours overtime | 10 hours overtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| £10.00 | £20.00 | £100.00 | £200.00 |
| £12.00 | £24.00 | £120.00 | £240.00 |
| £15.00 | £30.00 | £150.00 | £300.00 |
| £20.00 | £40.00 | £200.00 | £400.00 |
| £25.00 | £50.00 | £250.00 | £500.00 |
| £30.00 | £60.00 | £300.00 | £600.00 |
When do UK employers use double time?
Double time is most often seen for bank holiday working, Sunday shifts in some sectors, and overtime worked with very little notice. It is also sometimes used as a way of discouraging excessive overtime by making it costlier for the business, or as a goodwill gesture for staff who give up time off at short notice. Whether you are entitled to double time comes down entirely to what your contract or staff handbook says. For weekday overtime at the more common 1.5× rate, see our time and a half calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is double time a legal requirement in the UK?
No. There is no UK law requiring employers to pay double time for any type of overtime, including bank holidays and Sundays. It depends on your employment contract or workplace agreement.
Is bank holiday overtime always double time?
No, not automatically. Some employers pay double time for bank holidays as a matter of policy, but it is not a universal legal requirement. Check your contract or staff handbook for your specific entitlement.
How do I work out double time on £18 an hour?
Multiply £18 by 2 to get £36 per overtime hour. For 4 hours of overtime, that is £36 × 4 = £144.00 gross.