TrackHourWhat Counts as Overtime?
Overtime refers to any hours worked beyond the threshold set by your employment contract or national labor law. In most countries, this threshold is either a daily limit (commonly 8 hours) or a weekly limit (commonly 35 to 40 hours), or both. Hours beyond that threshold are overtime hours, regardless of whether your employer explicitly asked for them or you chose to stay late.
Daily Overtime vs. Weekly Overtime
Some contracts use a daily threshold — you accumulate overtime for every hour beyond 8 hours in a single day. Others use a weekly threshold — overtime only applies if the total across all working days exceeds 40 hours. Many contracts combine both: daily overtime applies first, and any remainder is counted weekly. Knowing which system your contract uses is essential before calculating what you are owed.
How Overtime Pay Is Calculated
In most jurisdictions, overtime hours are compensated at a premium rate — typically 125% to 150% of your regular hourly rate, depending on the number of overtime hours and local law. Some contracts offer time off in lieu (TOIL) instead of extra pay: for every overtime hour worked, you receive equivalent paid leave. Check your contract or consult your HR department to confirm which method applies to you.
Why Accurate Records Matter
Overtime disputes are among the most common wage claims in labor courts. To successfully claim unpaid overtime, you need to demonstrate — day by day — that you worked more than your contracted hours. A daily time log, timestamped and consistent, is the strongest form of evidence. Without it, it is your word against your employer's records.
Using TrackHour to Track Overtime Automatically
TrackHour calculates your overtime balance automatically. Set your contracted daily hours once, then log your arrivals and departures each day. The app shows a live running balance — hours in credit or deficit — updated after every entry. At the end of the week or month, you have a complete record of every day worked, making overtime claims straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse to pay overtime I worked without prior approval?
In many jurisdictions, if your employer knew or should have known you were working overtime, they may be legally required to compensate you even without explicit prior approval. Rules vary by country and contract. Always document every instance of overtime worked to protect your claim.
Does overtime reset weekly or carry over?
This depends on your contract. Most systems calculate overtime on a weekly basis and reset at the start of each new week. However, some companies use annualized hours where surplus and deficit accumulate over a full year. TrackHour tracks your cumulative balance across any time period.
Do breaks count toward overtime hours?
Unpaid breaks — such as a lunch break where you are free to leave your workstation — do not count as working time and should not be included in your overtime calculation. Only paid breaks, where you remain at the employer's disposal, are generally included.