PTO Accrual Calculator — Free Online Tool
Paid time off usually accrues gradually, not all at once. This PTO accrual calculator shows how much PTO you earn each paycheck and your current balance based on pay periods elapsed.
What is the PTO Accrual Calculator?
Most employers grant PTO by accrual: divide your annual allotment by the number of pay periods and you earn a slice each payday. With 15 days and biweekly pay (26 periods), that's about 0.58 days per paycheck — easy to lose track of, which is why balances surprise people in both directions.
Two gotchas to know: accrual caps (some employers stop accruing past a maximum balance — banked time can effectively evaporate) and use-it-or-lose-it policies. This PTO accrual calculator assumes steady accrual with no cap; check your employee handbook for the real rules, and use the balance here to plan vacations before time expires.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your annual PTO days granted.
- Choose your pay schedule.
- Enter pay periods elapsed this year and days used so far.
- Click Calculate PTO for your balance.
Formula
Frequently asked questions
How does PTO accrual work?
Your annual PTO is divided across pay periods — you earn a fraction each payday instead of receiving it all on January 1st. This PTO accrual calculator does that division for you.
How many PTO days is normal in the US?
Around 10–15 days for newer employees, rising with tenure. There is no federal minimum — it's entirely employer policy.
What is a PTO accrual cap?
A maximum balance some employers set; once reached, you stop earning until you use time. Check your policy so earned time doesn't go to waste.
Do I get paid for unused PTO if I quit?
It depends on your state and employer policy — some states require payout, others don't. Check both.