Key definitions
Qty is the number of units on the line. A quantity of 3 with the unit Day means three days.
X is the number of people or identical items on the line. An X value of 2 on a Line Producer row means two line producers.
Rate is the cost of one unit before overtime.
Base Hours is the number of regular hours included in the rate. Saturation prefills this from a time-based unit when possible. Otherwise, it starts at 8 hours.
OT Hours is the number of overtime hours paid at a specific multiplier. Enter the hours in each tier, not the total hours worked.
Multiplier is the overtime rate for a tier, such as 1.5x or 2x.
Set how overtime is multiplied for a phase
The OT column menu controls whether each line's overtime is multiplied by Qty, X, both, or neither.
Open a project Budget.
Find the estimate phase you want to configure.
If you do not see the OT column there, open the menu and click Add column.
Open the menu on the phase's OT column.
Under Calculation, turn on Multiply by Qty, Multiply by X, or both.
With both settings off, the calculator adds one per-unit overtime amount to the line. For example, turn on Multiply by Qty when the same overtime hours apply to every day in the line's quantity. Turn on Multiply by X when they apply to every person or item represented by X.
Changing these settings updates the calculation for existing overtime details in that phase. Review the phase total after changing them.
Calculate overtime for a line item
Select the line's OT cell.
Enter the regular hours included in the rate under Base Hours.
Under OT Hours, enter the number of hours paid at the first multiplier.
Enter the multiplier, such as 1.5.
Select the + beside OT Hours to add another tier when needed.
Enter the hours and multiplier for each additional tier.
Press Enter, press Tab, or leave the cell to save the calculation.
For a $400 day rate with 8 base hours, 2 OT hours at 1.5x adds $150 before any Qty or X setting is applied:
$400 ÷ 8 hours × 2 OT hours × 1.5 = $150
The calculator shows the hourly rate and the current overtime amount while you edit.
Enter a flat overtime amount
Type a positive amount directly in the OT cell to use it as a manual override. The tier calculator is disabled while that override is active.
Enter 0 to clear the overtime value. If an imported line shows a legacy Flat amount, select Clear override before replacing it with base hours and tiers.
Review and reuse overtime calculations
The saved overtime appears in the OT cell and is included in the line total, phase total, and grand total. Copy and paste an OT cell when another line uses the same tier details. Saturation applies the destination phase's Qty and X settings when you paste.
After duplicating or importing a phase, open the OT column menu and confirm its calculation settings before relying on the totals.
Tips for managing overtime
Confirm the rate, unit, quantity, and X value before adding overtime.
Use separate tiers for hours paid at different multipliers.
Keep phase-level Qty and X settings consistent for lines that use the same calculation method.
Review overtime when the schedule, crew count, or negotiated deal changes.
Confirm the applicable contract, union rules, and local labor laws. Saturation calculates the inputs you provide and does not choose the required overtime terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use different overtime terms for different roles?
Yes. Base hours and tiers are saved on each line, so one role can use different hours or multipliers from another. The Multiply by Qty and Multiply by X settings apply to the whole OT column in that phase.
Can I add double time after time-and-a-half?
Yes. Add one tier for the hours paid at 1.5x, then select + and add another tier for the hours paid at 2x.
Why did my overtime total change after I edited the OT column menu?
The phase-level Multiply by Qty and Multiply by X settings also apply to existing overtime details in that phase. Reopen the menu, confirm the intended settings, and review the affected lines.
Can I export overtime?
Overtime is included in budget calculations and supported budget exports. Make sure the relevant phase and columns are included in the export.