PTO Accrual Calculator
Rules vary by state; results are estimates. Consult your employer or state labor department.
Typical: 5% = ~2.6 weeks/year
Per Pay Period
4.00 hrs
Monthly
8.67 hrs
Annual
104.00 hrs
Common Accrual Methods
- Front-loaded: Full year PTO given at start
- Per-pay-period: Accrues gradually throughout year
- Hybrid: Partial upfront + monthly accrual
Disclaimer
Results are estimates based on the accrual inputs provided. Your actual PTO balance depends on your employer's specific policy, any caps on accrual, waiting periods, and applicable state law. Always verify your balance against your official pay stubs and employee handbook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is PTO accrual?
PTO accrual is the process of earning paid time off gradually over time — usually per hour worked or per pay period. Instead of receiving all days upfront, you build your balance incrementally throughout the year.
How do I find my accrual rate?
Check your employee handbook or ask HR. Accrual rates are often listed as hours earned per pay period (e.g., "3.08 hours per biweekly period") or as a total annual allowance (e.g., "10 days per year"). To convert: annual hours ÷ number of pay periods = per-period accrual.
Do I get paid for unused PTO when I leave?
It depends on your state and employer policy. California, Colorado, and a few other states treat accrued PTO as earned wages that must be paid out on termination. Most other states allow employers to set their own payout policies — check your employee handbook and state labor law.
Does PTO accrue while I am on FMLA leave?
Under federal FMLA, employers are not required to continue PTO accrual during unpaid leave. However, some employer policies do continue accrual during FMLA. Check your specific company policy or ask HR before starting leave.
What is a PTO accrual cap?
A cap is the maximum PTO balance you can accumulate before accrual stops. Once you hit the cap, you stop earning new PTO until you use some. Caps are typically 1.5× to 2× your annual PTO allowance. Using PTO before hitting the cap ensures you never lose accrual.