Time and a Half Calculator: What's Your Penalty Rate? (2026 Australia)

Time and a half means you are paid 1.5 times (150%) your normal hourly rate. If your base rate is $30/hour, time and a half is $45/hour. Time and a half commonly applies to: the first 2-3 hours of overtime on weekdays, Saturday work under many awards, and some public holidays depending on the award.

The exact rules depend on your Modern Award or enterprise agreement — not all workers get time and a half in the same circumstances.

Here are Saturday and Sunday penalty rates for some of the most common Modern Awards. General Retail Industry Award: Saturday 125% (casuals 150%), Sunday 150% (casuals 175%). Hospitality Industry Award: Saturday 125% (casuals 150%), Sunday 150% (casuals 175%).

Clerks Award: Saturday 150% (casuals 175%), Sunday 200% (casuals 200%). Building and Construction Award: Saturday first 2 hours 150%, after 2 hours 200%, Sunday 200%.

Restaurant Industry Award: Saturday 125%, Sunday 150%. Note that casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (excluding the 25% casual loading) under some awards, while others calculate on the loaded rate. Always check your specific award. Use our Penalty Rate Calculator for exact figures.

The formula is simple: Time and a half = Base hourly rate x 1.5. Double time = Base hourly rate x 2.0. Double time and a half = Base hourly rate x 2.5.

The short answer? For example, if your base rate is $28.50/hour: Time and a half = $28.50 x 1.5 = $42.75/hour. Double time = $28.50 x 2.0 = $57.00/hour.

For casual employees, check whether your award applies penalty rates to your base rate or your casual-loaded rate (base + 25% = $35.63). This can make a significant difference to your pay.