PTO Accrual Calculator
Enter how many hours of paid time off you earn each pay period and how often you're paid. The calculator shows your yearly accrual and projects your balance a number of pay periods out.
This projects straight accrual. Real policies often add wrinkles this calculator ignores: accrual caps, waiting periods for new hires, use-it-or-lose-it deadlines, and rates that rise with tenure. Your handbook or HR system is the authority on your actual balance.
How this is calculated
Annual accrual = hours per pay period × pay periods per year (weekly 52, biweekly 26, semimonthly 24, monthly 12).
Projected balance = current balance + hours per period × number of future periods. Days = hours ÷ the workday length you set.
Common questions
How do I find my accrual rate?
It's usually on your pay stub, in your HR portal, or in the employee handbook. If you only know your annual PTO, divide it by your pay periods per year — 80 hours a year on biweekly pay is 80 ÷ 26 ≈ 3.08 hours per period.
What's the difference between biweekly and semimonthly?
Biweekly is every two weeks — 26 paychecks a year. Semimonthly is twice a month — 24 paychecks. The per-period accrual differs slightly even for the same annual total, which is why the schedule matters.
My balance doesn't match this projection. Why?
Most likely a cap, a waiting period, PTO you used, or a policy that grants time in a lump sum instead of accruing it. This calculator does straight accrual math only.
Can I accrue PTO on overtime hours?
Depends entirely on your employer's policy. Some accrue on all hours worked, some only on regular hours, some per pay period regardless of hours. Check your handbook.