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PTO Accrual Calculator

Calculate how much paid time off accrues per pay period, per hour worked, or as an annual lump sum. Supports the three standard accrual methods.

Note: This calculator provides mathematical estimates only. PTO entitlement rules, accrual caps, and payout obligations vary by US state and employer policy. This is not legal advice. Consult your HR department or a qualified employment attorney for your specific situation.

PTO per Pay Period0.577 days
Annual total15 days

15 days ÷ 26 pay periods = 0.5769 days/period

The Three PTO Accrual Methods

Per Pay Period

PTO accrues at each paycheck. Formula: Annual Days ÷ Pay Periods per Year. Most common method for salaried employees. Works for weekly (52), bi-weekly (26), semi-monthly (24), and monthly (12) schedules.

Per Hour Worked

PTO accrues based on actual hours worked. Formula: (Annual Days × 8) ÷ Annual Hours Worked. Common for hourly and part-time employees. Ties PTO to actual work rather than calendar time.

Annual Lump Sum

The full PTO balance is granted at the start of the year (or employment anniversary). Simple but creates liability risk for employers if employees leave early having used more PTO than they "earned." Common at companies with unlimited PTO transitions or tenure-based grants.

Legal Disclaimer — PTO Rules Vary by State

PTO entitlement, accrual caps, carryover rules, and termination payout requirements vary significantly by US state and employer policy:

  • California: Prohibits "use it or lose it" policies; accrued PTO must be paid out on termination.
  • Maine: Employers with 10+ employees must provide up to 40 hours of paid leave annually.
  • Colorado: FAMLI program provides paid family leave; separate from employer PTO.
  • Most other states: No mandatory paid vacation law; PTO is governed by employer policy.

This calculator provides arithmetic estimates only. For guidance on your specific situation, consult your HR department or a qualified employment attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate PTO accrual per pay period?
PTO per pay period = Annual PTO Days ÷ Pay Periods per Year. For bi-weekly pay (26 periods), 15 days ÷ 26 = 0.577 days per period. For semi-monthly pay (24 periods), 15 days ÷ 24 = 0.625 days per period.
How does hourly PTO accrual work?
Hourly accrual = (Annual PTO Days × 8 hours) ÷ Annual Hours Worked. An employee with 15 PTO days working 2,080 hours annually (40 hrs/week × 52 weeks) accrues 0.0577 hours of PTO per hour worked, or about 1 hour of PTO for every 17.3 hours worked.
Do PTO entitlement rules vary by state?
Yes. PTO and vacation accrual rules vary significantly by US state. California, for example, prohibits 'use it or lose it' PTO policies and requires accrued PTO to be paid out upon termination. Maine, Colorado, and several other states have mandatory paid leave laws. This calculator provides estimates only — consult your HR department or a qualified employment attorney for guidance on your specific jurisdiction and employer policy.

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