Pay & planning
Work Schedule Comparison
Compare paid hours and gross pay for two weekly schedules using hours per day, days per week, and rates. Free for U.S. workers.
Know the numbers
How to use this calculator
For each schedule enter paid hours per day, workdays per week, and the hourly rate. Exclude unpaid breaks before entering the duration.
A worked example
Schedule A: 8 paid hours × 5 days at $20 = 40 hours and $800. Schedule B: 10 paid hours × 4 days at $20 = the same 40 hours and $800.
The calculation
Weekly minutes = daily paid minutes × workdays. Simple gross = weekly minutes ÷ 60 × hourly rate.
Before you use the result
Equal gross pay does not mean equal job value. Overtime, premiums, commuting time, benefits, taxes, and schedule preferences are excluded. Use the overtime estimator if relevant.
Common scenarios
Use this calculator whenever you need to verify your hours, check a paycheck, or prepare a timecard submission. The result is the same arithmetic the payroll department uses, displayed in a form you can inspect.
Calculation methodology: View formulas, limits, and corrections
Common questions about Work Schedule Comparison
How do I compare a 4/10 vs 5/8 schedule?
Enter 10 hours/day × 4 days for the 4/10 and 8 hours/day × 5 days for the 5/8. Both equal 40 hours/week. The calculator shows gross pay for each.
Does a compressed schedule pay more?
It depends on your state. California, Alaska, and Nevada require daily overtime after 8 hours. A 4/10 in California triggers 2 hours of daily OT unless you have an approved alternative workweek agreement.
A little guidance, when you need it
How to Calculate Hours After Unpaid Lunch
Step-by-step guide to calculate work hours after an unpaid lunch break. Separate time on site from paid time, with a worked example for U.S. hourly workers.
Read guide Field guide4×10 vs 3×12 vs 9/80 vs 5×8 Pay Comparison
Compare compressed work schedules side by side. See weekly hours, annual hours, extra days off, and pay differences. U.S. workers.
Read guide