How PTO accrual works
Most employers grant PTO gradually — you earn a set number of hours each pay period rather than getting the whole year up front. Multiply your per-period rate by the periods you've worked to see what you've banked.
Thrivelance Tools
PTO Accrual Calculator
Track how much paid time off you've banked. Enter how many PTO hours you accrue each pay period, how many periods you've worked, and what you've used, to see your current balance in hours and days — plus your projected year-end balance.
Your PTO balance
Figures update as you type. PTO is accrued per pay period.
Accrued so far
52.00 hrs
Rate × periods completed.
Current balance
44.00 hrs
Start + accrued − used.
Balance in days
5.5 days
Balance ÷ hours per day.
Projected year-end
96.00 hrs
Full-year accrual − used.
Turning days into an accrual rate
If your policy is stated in days, multiply by your workday hours (usually 8) and divide by pay periods per year. 15 days × 8 hours ÷ 26 bi-weekly periods ≈ 4.62 hours each period.
Accrual caps and carryover
Many policies cap how much PTO you can bank or limit what rolls into the new year. This calculator shows your raw balance — check your handbook for any cap or “use it or lose it” rule.
Planning time off
Comparing leave against the days you actually work? Pair this with the Working Days Calculator to count workdays in any date range.
FAQ
Common questions about this calculator.
How is PTO accrual calculated?
Multiply the hours you accrue each pay period by the number of pay periods you've completed, add any starting balance, then subtract the PTO hours you've used.
How do I convert a days-off policy into an accrual rate?
Multiply your annual days by your workday hours, then divide by pay periods per year. For example, 15 days × 8 hours ÷ 26 bi-weekly periods is about 4.62 hours per period.
Does this account for accrual caps or carryover?
No. It shows your raw accrued balance. Many employers cap how much PTO you can bank or limit carryover into the new year, so check your company policy.
How many hours is one PTO day?
Usually 8 hours for a full-time schedule, but set the 'hours per workday' field to match yours if you work shorter or longer days.