Estimate PTO earned per completed pay period from an annual allowance. Enter the number of eligible periods completed, plus any starting balance and PTO already used. This equal-period model works when your plan grants the same amount each pay period; check your written policy before relying on it.
PTO accrual
Change the inputs to see the estimate. Calculations stay in your browser.
Use your employer’s written PTO policy. This tool does not decide eligibility, accrual or payout rights.
How the accrual is calculated
PTO earned per pay period = annual allowance ÷ pay periods per year. PTO earned to date = per-period amount × completed eligible periods. Estimated balance = starting balance + PTO earned to date − PTO used.
For example, a plan providing 80 hours over 26 equal pay periods earns about 3.0769 hours per completed period. After eight eligible periods, that is about 24.6154 hours before any use. The display keeps extra decimals to reveal the arithmetic; your employer may round each period differently, so the pay stub can differ by a small amount.
Choosing the right period count
Common schedules include 12 monthly, 24 twice-monthly, 26 biweekly or 52 weekly periods, but an actual payroll calendar may have a different count. Enter the number specified by your employer and only completed periods that qualify. Twice a month and every two weeks are not the same schedule.
When this model is unsuitable
Some policies award PTO up front, use an hours-worked rate, change the rate after an anniversary, exclude certain periods, impose a cap, or define special rules for part-time staff. Those policies need a different calculation. The tool does not automatically model caps, carryover, waiting periods, partial periods or changes in eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
How much PTO is 80 hours over 26 pay periods?
About 3.0769 hours per completed period before any policy-specific rounding.
Can I enter a starting balance from last year?
Yes, if the balance carried into this year is confirmed. Include only newly earned PTO in the completed-period count and subtract use after that starting point.
Is PTO accrual required by federal law?
The FLSA generally does not require paid vacation. Your employer’s policy, agreement and applicable state or local law determine the plan’s terms.
Track a PTO balance manually · Calculate time and a half
Sources and methodology
Reviewed October 7, 2026. Equal-period arithmetic is stated above; federal context checked against the U.S. Department of Labor’s vacation leave guidance. The estimate runs in your browser and is not legal, payroll or benefits advice.