How to use this calculator
Enter your annual PTO allotment in hours or days and select your accrual frequency (how often you are paid). The calculator determines how much PTO you earn each pay period.
Add your current balance, PTO used so far this year, and carryover limit to see projections. Enter your hourly rate to see the dollar value of your banked time, and set a target date to project your balance forward.
Frequently asked questions
How is PTO accrual calculated?
Divide your annual PTO by the number of pay periods. With 120 hours and biweekly pay (26 periods), you accrue 4.62 hours per paycheck.
What happens to PTO over the carryover limit?
Most companies forfeit hours above the cap at year end. Some stop accruing once you hit the cap until you use time to drop below it. Check your company policy for specifics.
Do I get paid for unused PTO if I quit?
It depends on your state. California, Colorado, Montana, and several others require payout of all accrued PTO. Other states follow company policy, which may or may not pay out unused time.
How many PTO days is average?
10 to 15 days (80 to 120 hours) for most employees. Tenure based increases are common: 10 days at hire, 15 after 5 years, 20 after 10 years.
Should I use PTO or save it?
Use what you cannot carry over to avoid forfeiture. If your state or policy pays out on termination, saving hours acts as a financial buffer. Balance rest needs with financial planning.