Shift Differential Calculator
A week's pay with a shift differential for evening, night or weekend hours: the extra as an amount per hour or a percentage of the base rate, on regular and overtime hours, with the overtime multiplier applied to the base rate or to base plus differential.
Result…
How it's calculated
Differential d = amount per hour, or base × % ÷ 100 Regular pay = hours without × base + hours with × (base + d) Overtime pay = hours without × base × multiplier + hours with × (base + d) × multiplier (or × (base × multiplier + d) if the multiplier applies to the base only) Total = regular pay + overtime pay
A shift differential is extra pay for working less popular hours, such as evenings, nights, weekends or holidays. It is set either as a fixed amount on top of each hour or as a percentage of the base rate. This calculator adds it to a week of work split into four kinds of hours: regular and overtime, each with or without the differential. Overtime is paid at the multiplier you enter, and you choose whether that multiplier also lifts the differential or applies to the base rate only, since employers and laws handle this differently. It shows the week's total, the part that comes from the differential, the overtime pay and your average hourly rate, with every multiplication shown. For overtime without shift premiums see the overtime pay calculator.
Your numbers, step by step
About the Shift Differential calculator
This shift differential calculator works out a week's pay when some hours earn extra for being in the evening, overnight or at the weekend. Enter your base hourly rate and the differential, either as an amount per hour or as a percentage of the base rate. Then split the week into four kinds of hours: regular hours with and without the differential, and overtime hours with and without it. You set the overtime multiplier and choose whether it applies to the base rate only or to base plus differential, because employers, agreements and laws handle this differently. The result is the week's total, the part that comes from the differential, the overtime pay and your average hourly rate, with each multiplication shown. Nurses, warehouse staff and anyone on rotating shifts can use it to check a payslip. For overtime with no shift premium, see the overtime pay calculator.
How to use it
- Enter the “Base hourly rate”, then choose whether the “Differential is” an amount per hour or a % of the base rate.
- Enter the four kinds of hours, from “Regular hours without the differential” to “Overtime hours with the differential”.
- Set the “Overtime multiplier”, such as 1.5 for time and a half.
- Choose how to pay “On overtime with the differential”: multiplier × base plus the differential, or multiplier × (base + differential).
Worked example
The base rate is 22 an hour with a 12% night differential: 12% × 22 = 2.64, so a night hour pays 24.64. You work 16 day hours (16 × 22 = 352), 24 night hours (24 × 24.64 = 591.36), 2 day overtime hours at 1.5 (2 × 22 × 1.5 = 66) and 4 night overtime hours at 1.5 × (22 + 2.64) = 36.96 (147.84). The week pays 1,157.20 for 46 hours, an average of 25.16 an hour, of which 79.20 comes from the differential.
Updated
Questions people ask
How do I calculate shift differential pay?
Work out the differential per hour (a fixed amount, or base rate × the percentage), add it to the base rate, and multiply by the hours that earn it. Add the pay for your other hours to get the total.
Is overtime paid on the shift differential too?
It depends on the country, the law where you work and your contract. Some pay the multiplier on base plus differential, some add the differential on top of overtime at the base rate, and some laws use an average regular rate across the week. The calculator lets you choose the first two.
What is the difference between a flat and a percentage differential?
A flat differential adds the same amount to every eligible hour, whatever your base rate. A percentage differential grows with your base rate, so a raise also raises the differential.
What is a common mistake when checking shift pay?
Counting the same hours twice, for example entering a night overtime hour both as a regular night hour and as overtime. Each hour worked belongs in exactly one of the four boxes.
Is the result my take-home pay?
No. It is gross pay before tax and deductions, and it assumes the rules you entered. For a pay dispute or a question about your rights, check your contract or agreement and ask your employer, a union or an employment adviser.