How does an hourly paycheck work?
An hourly paycheck starts with your hourly wage and the number of hours you work. Your regular gross pay is generally calculated by multiplying your hourly rate by your regular hours.
If you work qualifying overtime hours, those hours may be paid at a higher rate. Taxes and deductions are then applied to determine the amount that may reach your paycheck.
Regular pay = hourly rate × regular hours
Overtime pay = hourly rate × overtime multiplier × overtime hours
Gross pay = regular pay + overtime pay
How this hourly paycheck calculator works
Enter your hourly wage and typical weekly hours first. You can then add overtime hours, select your pay frequency, and provide basic tax and deduction information.
- Enter your regular hourly wage.
- Enter your regular weekly working hours.
- Add overtime hours if applicable.
- Select your pay frequency and state.
- Choose your filing status and number of dependents.
- Add pre-tax and post-tax deductions.
- Review your estimated take-home pay and breakdown.
How much is $20 an hour per paycheck?
At $20 per hour and 40 hours per week, your regular gross pay is $800 per week before taxes and deductions.
That is approximately $1,600 gross every two weeks or about $3,467 gross per month when annualized over 12 months.
Your actual take-home amount will be lower after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, state taxes, benefits, and other deductions.
Hourly pay and overtime
Overtime can significantly change an hourly paycheck. This calculator uses a 1.5× overtime multiplier by default, commonly called "time and a half."
For example, a $20 hourly rate produces a $30 overtime rate at 1.5×. Five overtime hours would therefore add an estimated $150 to weekly gross pay.
Overtime eligibility and required overtime rates depend on applicable federal and state rules, employee classification, and other circumstances.
For a dedicated overtime calculation, use the PaycheckMint Overtime Pay Calculator .
Gross pay vs. take-home pay
Gross pay is the amount you earn before taxes and deductions. Take-home pay, also called net pay, is the amount remaining after applicable taxes and deductions are taken into account.
Two people earning the same hourly wage can have different take-home pay because their filing status, benefits, retirement contributions, state taxes, and other payroll settings may differ.
2026 tax estimate
PaycheckMint uses 2026 federal tax information and simplified state tax estimates to provide a planning estimate.
Actual payroll withholding can differ because employers generally calculate withholding using employee Form W-4 information, payroll tables, state requirements, local taxes, year-to-date wages, and other payroll information.
The calculator should therefore be used as an estimate rather than as a replacement for an actual employer paycheck calculation.
Hourly Paycheck Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate my paycheck from an hourly wage?
Multiply your hourly rate by the number of regular hours worked. Add qualifying overtime pay when applicable, then subtract estimated taxes and deductions.
How much is $20 an hour per paycheck?
At 40 hours per week, $20 per hour produces $800 in gross weekly pay before taxes and deductions. Your actual take-home pay depends on your payroll and tax circumstances.
Does this calculator include overtime?
Yes. Enter your weekly overtime hours. The calculator uses a 1.5× multiplier by default and allows other multipliers when needed.
Is the calculated take-home pay exact?
No. PaycheckMint provides an estimate. Actual withholding can vary because of W-4 elections, state and local rules, employer benefits, year-to-date wages, and other payroll factors.
Can I use this calculator for weekly or biweekly pay?
Yes. Select your pay frequency and the calculator will estimate the corresponding paycheck amount.
Methodology and limitations
The calculator converts hourly earnings into an estimated annual gross income and then applies simplified federal, FICA, and state tax calculations. Pre-tax and post-tax deductions entered by the user are also considered.
This is intended for general planning and comparison. It does not reproduce every employer's payroll system or every federal, state, or local withholding rule.