40-hour week in Brazil: how many hours a day, the divisor and how to calculate your hourly rate
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With the end of 6x1, the working week drops to 42 and then 40 hours. How many hours a day that means in each schedule, the new hourly-rate divisor and how to check the employer's math.
40 hours a week equals 8 hours a day over 5 working days, with two rest days. In the intermediate 42-hour phase, it works out to 8 hours and 24 minutes a day over 5 days. Since salary cannot be reduced, your hourly rate goes up — and that changes how overtime and supplements are calculated.
Quick summary
- 40h ÷ 5 days = 8 hours a day (5x2 schedule).
- 42h ÷ 5 days = 8h24 a day, in the transition 60 days after Constitutional Amendment 141/2026.
- Monthly divisor: 220 (44h) → about 210 (42h) → 200 (40h).
- Monthly salary cannot fall because of the shorter week.
- More expensive hour: overtime, night-work supplement and other supplements increase.
How many hours a day in each schedule
- 5x2 at 40 hours — 8 hours a day, Monday to Friday
- 5x2 at 42 hours — 8h24 a day, Monday to Friday
- 4x3 at 40 hours — 10 hours a day, if provided for collectively and within daily limits
- 12x36 — its own regime; see 12x36 schedule
As a rule, the working day remains limited to 8 normal hours, with up to 2 overtime hours (CLT, art. 59 — the CLT is Brazil's Consolidated Labor Laws). Compensation beyond that requires an agreement — see Hour bank.
The new divisor and your hourly rate
The divisor is the number of paid hours in the month. It is calculated as: weekly hours ÷ 6 × 30.
- 44 hours: 44 ÷ 6 × 30 = 220.
- 42 hours: 42 ÷ 6 × 30 = 210.
- 40 hours: 40 ÷ 6 × 30 = 200.
Example: salary of R$ 3,000.
- At 44h: R$ 3,000 ÷ 220 = R$ 13.64 per hour.
- At 40h: R$ 3,000 ÷ 200 = R$ 15.00 per hour.
- Overtime at 50% with 40h: R$ 22.50.
Step by step to check
- Check the divisor used for overtime on your payslip.
- Check that your monthly salary stayed the same after the change.
- Compare the new schedule with the weekly limit.
- If the employer keeps the 220 divisor after the reduction, ask in writing for a correction.
- If not resolved, contact the union or file a complaint with the Ministry of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a month is a 40-hour week?
Using the usual divisor, 200 hours a month.
Will hourly workers earn less with the shorter week?
The amendment prohibits salary reductions because of the shorter week. For hourly workers, how pay is maintained should follow the regulations and collective rules.
Can I work 10 hours a day to have Fridays off?
Only with a valid compensation agreement and within legal limits.
Read more in this series
Official sources consulted
- Federal Constitution — art. 7, XIII
- Consolidated Labor Laws (CLT) — arts. 58, 59 and 64
- Agência Brasil — Congress promulgates amendment ending 6x1
Informational content, updated in October 2026. Regulations may bring transition rules. This does not replace an individual analysis of your case.
Informational content produced by the Human Case editorial team based on official public sources. Does not replace individual advice.
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