How PTO accrual works

PTO accrual policies can be written in different ways. Enter the accrual rule provided by your employer or policy, then the calculator estimates the PTO hours earned from the values you enter.

PTO accrued per hours worked

Some policies earn PTO based on hours worked, such as 1 PTO hour per 40 hours worked.

PTO accrued = hours worked / required work hours x PTO earned per unit1 PTO hour per 40 hours worked across 1,600 hours = 40 PTO hours

PTO per pay period

Some policies grant a set number of PTO hours each pay period. Multiply PTO hours per pay period by the number of completed pay periods.

PTO accrued = PTO per pay period x pay periods completed4 PTO hours x 10 periods = 40 PTO hours

Annual PTO accrual

Annual mode assumes PTO accrues evenly across the year. For example, 120 annual PTO hours after 6 months is 120 x 6 / 12, or 60 PTO hours. Not every employer uses even accrual, so enter the values that match your policy.

PTO hours to days

Convert PTO hours to PTO days by dividing by hours per workday. For example, 40 PTO hours divided by an 8-hour workday equals 5 PTO days.

PTO accrual example

If a policy earns 1 PTO hour per 40 hours worked and an employee works 1,600 hours, the arithmetic estimate is 40 PTO hours. At 8 hours per workday, that is 5 PTO days.

PTO policy differences

PTO policies can include caps, carryover rules, waiting periods, front-loaded balances, different accrual rates, or separate sick leave rules. This calculator does not automatically model those details unless you reflect them in the values entered, and it does not determine legal entitlement.

PTO Accrual Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate PTO accrual?

Use the formula that matches your employer-provided policy, such as PTO earned per hours worked, PTO per pay period, or annual PTO accrued over part of the year.

How much PTO do I earn per hour worked?

Divide PTO earned by the required work hours. For example, 1 PTO hour per 40 hours worked equals 0.025 PTO hours per work hour.

How do I convert PTO hours to days?

Divide PTO hours by hours per workday. Forty PTO hours at 8 hours per day equals 5 days.

What does 1 hour of PTO per 40 hours worked mean?

It means every 40 work hours earns 1 PTO hour under that policy rule.

How is PTO accrued per pay period?

Multiply PTO hours earned each pay period by completed pay periods.

Does this calculator determine how much PTO my employer must give me?

No. It calculates using the policy values entered and does not determine legal entitlement.

PTO Accrual Calculator