Pay-stub comparison
Blended Rate Overtime Calculator
Reconstruct a mixed-rate workweek and compare it with the blended rate already shown by payroll. Small differences within your rounding tolerance are labeled separately from review points.
What a payroll blended rate is
A pay stub or payroll portal may show one blended regular rate for a workweek containing several job rates. This page starts with that reported number, then reconstructs a weighted rate from the source rows you enter. It is a comparison workflow, not a second copy of the tool that creates a weighted rate from scratch.
The neighboring multiple-rate calculation tool is the better starting point when you have only rates and hours. Stay here when payroll has already supplied a blended rate, overtime rate, hours, or premium amount that you want to check.
Finding the fields on a pay stub
Look for labels such as regular rate, blended rate, overtime rate, overtime hours, overtime premium, regular earnings, or job-code earnings. A payroll system may show the full overtime amount rather than the additional premium. The input label on this page asks specifically for the premium when it is separately identified.
Do not force a number into the wrong field. If the statement does not distinguish straight-time earnings from the premium, leave uncertain fields blank and use the result warning as a records checklist.
Independent comparison method
The default rate tolerance is one cent. A rate difference at or below that tolerance is described as matching within rounding tolerance. The money comparison uses a one-cent tolerance.
Bonuses, commissions, differentials, timing, and compensation that was not entered may explain a difference. The result therefore provides review points rather than declaring an underpayment.
reconstructedRate = (sum(rate x hours) + includedEarnings) / totalHours
absoluteRateDifference = abs(payrollBlendedRate - reconstructedRate)
percentageDifference = absoluteRateDifference / reconstructedRate
expectedPremium = reconstructedRate x (multiplier - 1) x overtimeHours
premiumDifference = reportedPremium - expectedPremiumWorked pay-stub comparison
A pay stub shows a $22.67 blended rate and $56.67 overtime premium for five hours. The source records show 30 hours at $20 and 15 hours at $28, producing $1,020 over 45 hours. The independent rate is $22.6667 before display rounding, so the shown rate is within one cent and the expected half-time premium rounds to $56.67.
Why the two values can differ
A payroll rate can differ because the reconstruction is missing a nondiscretionary bonus, commission, shift differential, retroactive adjustment, or other included compensation. A difference can also come from displaying a rounded rate while payroll calculates with more internal decimal places.
Review one workweek at a time. Confirm every role, hour, and earning code, then compare the unrounded path where available. Do not average separate workweeks to make a pay-period rate.
Limitations and review points
This blended rate overtime calculator does not decide coverage, exemption status, compensable hours, state daily overtime, contract terms, or whether a payment belongs in the regular rate. It cannot confirm that the payroll labels you entered represent the same concepts used in the reconstruction.
A difference is a review point, not proof of a violation or a guaranteed amount owed. Verify material differences with complete payroll records, current official guidance, or a qualified professional.
Blended Rate Overtime Calculator FAQ
What should I enter as the payroll-provided blended rate?
Use the regular or blended rate displayed by the pay stub or payroll portal, not the full overtime rate. Keep the overtime rate in its separate field.
Does a difference prove that payroll is wrong?
No. A difference is a review point. Missing bonuses, commissions, differentials, internal precision, or a mismatched earning label can change the comparison.
How does the rounding tolerance work?
The default one-cent rate tolerance treats an absolute difference of $0.01 or less as a rounding match. You can change that threshold to match the precision shown by your records.
Official sources
Educational estimate
This calculator provides an estimate for educational purposes only. Overtime rules vary by country, state, industry, employment status, and company policy. It is not legal, tax, or payroll advice.