Overtime Calculation

WHAT IS OVERTIME CALCULATION? 2026 UPDATED GUIDE

Overtime calculation is a critical process that determines the wage compensation for an employee's work exceeding normal working hours. Therefore, employees can prevent the loss of rights by accurately knowing overtime calculation methods. Furthermore, accurate calculation also prevents disputes between employers and employees.

OVERTIME CALCULATION TOOL

You can use the tool below to calculate your overtime pay:

WHAT IS OVERTIME?

Overtime is when an employee works beyond the statutory weekly working hours. In general, this duration is accepted as 45 hours. Therefore, work performed above this limit is considered overtime.

Additionally, the application of overtime aims to protect the employee's health and ensure they receive fair wages. For this reason, an employer cannot arbitrarily require unlimited overtime work.

WEEKLY WORKING HOURS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Legislation sets the weekly working hours at 45 hours. However, parties may agree on a shorter duration by contract. In such a case, exceeding the specified duration also constitutes overtime work.

In particular, this duration must be correctly determined when performing overtime calculations. Otherwise, the calculation will be inaccurate.

HOW IS OVERTIME CALCULATED?

The following data is taken into account when calculating overtime:

• Weekly working hours
• Monthly gross salary
• Total overtime hours

First, the hourly wage is calculated. Then, this wage is applied with a 50% increase.

📌 Basic calculation logic:
Hourly wage = Monthly gross salary / 225
Overtime pay = Hourly wage × 1.5 × overtime hours

As a result, the employee receives an increased wage for every hour of overtime worked.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN OVERTIME CALCULATION TOOL?

The overtime calculation tool allows employees to estimate their earnings in advance. Thus, individuals can track their rights more consciously.

However, these tools do not provide definitive results. Therefore, the final calculation is always based on the specific circumstances of each case.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OVERTIME AND EXTRA HOURS

In practice, these two concepts are often confused. First, if the weekly duration exceeds 45 hours, overtime occurs. In contrast, if the duration determined in the contract is exceeded, work with "extra hours" comes into play.

Therefore, the wage rate to be applied also differs.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR OVERTIME?

The employer obtains the employee's consent to require overtime work. Furthermore, the annual overtime hours cannot exceed legal limits.

For this reason, the employer must respect the employee's right to rest in all circumstances. Thus, a balance is maintained in professional life.

USE OF COMPENSATORY TIME OFF

An employee may request compensatory time off instead of overtime pay. In this case, the employer grants leave to the employee.

However, the employer cannot make a unilateral decision. Therefore, the practice must be based on the employee's consent.

PROVING OVERTIME

The employee is required to prove that they have worked overtime. Generally, the following evidence is used:

• Timesheet records
• Witness statements
• Workplace documents

At this point, the proper presentation of evidence directly affects the outcome of the case.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Overtime claims must be requested within a certain period. Otherwise, the claim will be time-barred.

For this reason, employees should claim their rights without delay.

COMMON MISTAKES IN OVERTIME CALCULATION

Common mistakes in practice include:

• Assuming every long shift is overtime
• Relying completely on calculation tools
• Ignoring the burden of proof
• Misinterpreting compensatory time off

Consequently, these mistakes lead to serious loss of rights.

WHY IS LEGAL SUPPORT NECESSARY?

Overtime claims are among the most disputed issues in labor law. Therefore, professional support simplifies the process.

Eren & Gonce Law Firm offers effective solutions for the calculation and collection of overtime claims. Furthermore, they develop specific strategies for each file.

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