What is double time?
Updated 2026-10-26
Double time is twice your normal hourly rate, also written as 2x or 200%.
Worked example
You earn $32/hour. Double time is $64/hour. If you work 4 hours at double time, that part of your pay is 4 x $64 = $256 before tax.
Double time vs time and a half
| Hourly rate | Time and a half (1.5x) | Double time (2x) |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | $37.50 | $50 |
| $30 | $45 | $60 |
| $35 | $52.50 | $70 |
When it applies
- Australia: many awards pay 150% for the first two or three overtime hours, then 200%. Some awards also pay double time on Sundays.
- US: not required federally; California, for example, requires double time for hours over 12 in a workday.
Rules vary by award, state and contract, so check yours. Clockwell applies your overtime tiers to every shift automatically. Also see the time-and-a-half calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How is double time calculated?
Multiply your normal hourly rate by 2. At $30 an hour, double time is $60 an hour, so 3 hours of double time pays $180.
When do you get double time in Australia?
Many awards pay 200% for overtime after the first two or three overtime hours, and some pay double time on Sundays. It depends on your award or agreement, so check the Fair Work Pay Calculator.
Is double time required in the US?
Federal law (the FLSA) only requires time and a half for overtime. Double time comes from state law, such as California's daily overtime rules, or from an employer policy or union contract.
More guides
- Casual loading explained
- How to fill out a timesheet
- Minutes to decimal hours converter
- Night shift differential explained
- US overtime rules: federal vs California
- Penalty rates in Australia explained
- Public holiday pay in Australia
- Shift pay calculator: penalty rates and overtime
- Time-and-a-half calculator