California Daily Hours Calculator
Calculate work hours for a single day using California overtime, double-time, and meal break rules.
California Daily Overtime & Double-Time Rules
How Hours Are Calculated Per Day
- Regular Time: First 8 hours worked per day
- Overtime (1.5× pay): Hours 8-12 worked per day
- Double-Time (2× pay): Hours over 12 worked per day
- 7th Consecutive Day: First 8 hours at OT, hours over 8 at DT
Meal Break Requirements (Per Day)
- First meal break: 30 minutes required before the end of the 5th hour (for shifts over 5 hours)
- Second meal break: 30 minutes required before the end of the 10th hour (for shifts over 10 hours)
- Meal breaks must be duty-free (employee relieved of all duties)
- Penalty for missed meal break: 1 hour of pay at regular rate for each violation
Important Notes
- This calculator is for single day calculations only
- Different rules may apply for salaried exempt employees, certain industries, or union contracts
- California also has weekly overtime rules (over 40 hours per week) not shown in this calculator
- For complex situations or payroll processing, consult the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) or a qualified labor attorney