Work Hours Calculator UK

Work Hours Calculator UK

1. 1

   Enter your daily start and finish times

   Log your start and end time for each day. The most common UK pattern is 09:00–17:30.

2. 2

   Deduct your unpaid lunch break

   Enter your unpaid break duration. Most UK workers take a 30–60 minute unpaid lunch. The law requires at least 20 minutes when you work more than 6 hours.

3. 3

   Set your overtime multiplier

   No statutory rate applies — enter the multiplier from your contract (e.g. 1.5× or double time).

4. 4

   Enter your hourly rate

   Input your gross hourly rate in pounds (£) to calculate total gross pay for the period.

5. 5

   Export your timesheet

   Download a PDF or CSV for payroll, invoicing a client, or your own records.

Standard hours and overtime

The standard UK working week varies by employer — 37.5 hours (7.5 hours/day, Mon–Fri) is the most common contractual arrangement in office roles. Retail, hospitality, and shift-based sectors often use 40 hours. Any hours beyond your contracted hours are overtime. There is no statutory overtime rate — check your contract.

• Most common contracted week: 37.5 hours (7.5 h/day, Mon–Fri)
• Legal maximum average: 48 hours over a 17-week reference period
• Statutory overtime rate: none — set by contract
• Rest break: 20 minutes when working more than 6 hours
• Daily rest: 11 consecutive hours between working days
• Weekly rest: 24 consecutive hours per week (or 48 hours per fortnight)

The 48-hour opt-out

Workers can agree in writing to work more than 48 hours per week on average. The opt-out must be voluntary — an employer cannot force you to sign one. You can cancel an opt-out by giving your employer at least 7 days' notice (or longer if stated in the agreement, up to 3 months). Even with an opt-out in place, you retain all other WTR rights including daily and weekly rest.

National Minimum and Living Wage

From April 2025, the National Living Wage (for workers aged 21 and over) is £12.21 per hour. When calculating pay for overtime, ensure that total pay divided by total hours never falls below the applicable NMW/NLW rate for your age. Unpaid overtime that pushes average pay below minimum wage is unlawful.

Annual leave and holiday pay

The WTR entitle full-time workers to 5.6 weeks (28 days) of paid annual leave per year, which can include the 8 UK bank holidays. Holiday pay must be calculated on the basis of "normal remuneration" — meaning it should include regularly worked overtime where that overtime is part of your normal working pattern.

Record-keeping

Employers must keep adequate records to show that the 48-hour weekly average is not exceeded for workers who have not signed an opt-out. Records do not need to capture exact daily start and finish times, but many employers use timesheets for payroll accuracy. Workers can request a copy of their own records.

UK Work Hours — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of hours I can work per week in the UK?

The Working Time Regulations cap average weekly hours at 48, measured over a 17-week reference period. You can voluntarily opt out of this limit in writing, but it must be your free choice. Even with an opt-out, you keep your right to daily and weekly rest periods.

What is the statutory overtime rate in the UK?

There is no statutory minimum overtime rate in the UK. Your overtime pay is whatever your employment contract specifies. Common contractual rates are 1.25×, 1.5× (time and a half), or 2× (double time). The only legal floor is that your overall average hourly pay must not fall below the National Minimum Wage.

Am I entitled to a rest break during my working day?

Yes. The Working Time Regulations entitle you to a 20-minute rest break when your working day exceeds 6 hours. This is an uninterrupted break away from your workstation. Whether it is paid or unpaid depends on your contract — most UK employers treat it as unpaid.

How is the 48-hour average calculated?

The 48-hour limit is an average over a 17-week reference period (around 4 months). This means you could work more than 48 hours in some weeks, provided the average over 17 weeks does not exceed 48 hours. Bank holidays and sick leave are excluded from the calculation.

Does overtime count towards holiday pay?

Yes, if the overtime is regular and part of your normal working pattern. Following a series of Employment Tribunal and Court of Justice rulings (Bear Scotland v Fulton, Lock v British Gas), holiday pay must reflect regular overtime — including guaranteed overtime and, in many cases, regular voluntary overtime.