Time and a Half Calculator: What's Your Penalty Rate? (2026 Australia)
Calculate time and a half, double time, and other penalty rates on your base pay. Quick reference by award. Free instant calculator for Australian workers.
Payroll & Compliance Editor · Registered BAS Agent, Cert IV Accounting & Bookkeeping
What is time and a half?
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.
Quick reference: common penalty rates by award
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.
How to calculate time and a half and double time
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.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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Six years running payroll for a Western Sydney commercial builder before moving to compliance writing and contract payroll. Registered BAS Agent (TPB). Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Writes about pay calculations, superannuation, and the 2026 Payday Super rollout. Based in Cabramatta, Sydney.
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