Free PTO Calculator — Accrual, Balance & Payout
Calculate accrual, current balance, and estimated payout by state. Enter your details below—no signup.
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California treats earned vacation/PTO as wages. All accrued, unused vacation must be paid out upon termination regardless of separation type.
Employers cannot require employees to forfeit earned vacation. Employers may set a reasonable accrual cap (e.g., 1.5× to 1.75× annual accrual).
Caps must be reasonable. DLSE guidance suggests at least 1.5× annual accrual.
Statute: Cal. Labor Code §227.3
Your Results
3.08 hrs
80 ÷ 26 = 3.08 hrs
80 hrs (10.0 days)
3.08 × 26 = 80 hrs
0.0 hrs (0.0 days)
Current balance (0) − used (0) = 0.0 hrs
Enter your hourly rate to see PTO dollar value and payout estimate.
| Month | Accrued | Balance |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.67 h | 6.67 h |
| February | 6.67 h | 13.33 h |
| March | 6.67 h | 20.00 h |
| April | 6.67 h | 26.67 h |
| May | 6.67 h | 33.33 h |
| June | 6.67 h | 40.00 h |
| July | 6.67 h | 46.67 h |
| August | 6.67 h | 53.33 h |
| September | 6.67 h | 60.00 h |
| October | 6.67 h | 66.67 h |
| November | 6.67 h | 73.33 h |
| December | 6.67 h | 80.00 h |
How This PTO Calculator Works
This PTO calculator helps you figure out how much paid time off you earn per pay period, your current available balance, and what you could receive if you leave your job. Enter your state so we can show payout rule summaries: in mandatory states, employers that offer paid vacation generally must pay earned unused time at separation; in others, payout depends on company policy or is not required by law.
You can choose among three common accrual methods: per pay period (e.g., a fixed amount each biweekly check), per hour worked (typical for part-time or variable schedules), or annual lump sum (full allowance granted once a year). Optional fields let you add your hourly rate for dollar values and your current PTO balance for a more accurate picture.
Understanding PTO Accrual & Payout by State
PTO payout rules vary by state. In states like California, employers generally must pay out earned, unused vacation when you leave. In Illinois, payout applies when your employer provides paid vacation under a policy or contract. In others, payout depends on your employer's written policy. Use the state selector above to see your state's rules, or browse our PTO laws by state list for a full overview.
Estimates only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Overtime and PTO rules vary by state, employer policy, and individual circumstances. Results are for informational purposes. Consult a qualified professional or your state labor agency for definitive guidance. See our Terms of Service.
Last updated: June 13, 2026 · Reviewed by SmartOvertime Editorial · How we calculate
PTO Calculator FAQ
Enter your state, accrual method, annual PTO hours, and optional balance and hourly rate. The calculator shows accrual per period, annual accrual, available balance, and—if you enter a rate—PTO dollar value and estimated payout on termination. For leaving your job, start with the PTO Payout Calculator.
It depends on your state. Mandatory-payout states generally require payment of earned, unused vacation when an employer offers paid time off. In policy-based or not-required states, payout depends on your employer's written policy. Use the state selector or browse PTO by State for your rule.
Use-it-or-lose-it means unused PTO is forfeited at year-end or when employment ends. Some states prohibit this for earned vacation; others allow it under conditions. The calculator shows your state's use-it-or-lose-it status.
Yes. The PTO calculator is 100% free with no sign-up and no data stored. All calculations run in your browser.