PTO Calculator: Calculate Your Paid Time Off
Last updated: January 2026
Use this free PTO calculator to estimate your paid time off accrual. Enter your accrual rate and pay frequency to see how much PTO you'll earn per month and per year. The average American worker earns 10-15 PTO days per year (80-120 hours), with more senior employees often earning 15-25 days.
PTO Accrual Calculator
Your Information
Your PTO Accrual
Annual PTO
13.0 days
(104.0 hours per year)
Per Month
8.7 hrs
(1.08 days)
Per Pay Period
4.00 hrs
(bi-weekly)
Common PTO Accrual Rates
| Tenure | Days/Year | Hours/Year | Hrs/Bi-weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 years | 10 days | 80 hours | 3.08 hrs |
| 1-3 years | 12 days | 96 hours | 3.69 hrs |
| 3-5 years | 15 days | 120 hours | 4.62 hrs |
| 5-10 years | 18 days | 144 hours | 5.54 hrs |
| 10+ years | 20-25 days | 160-200 hours | 6.15-7.69 hrs |
* Based on 8-hour workdays. Actual rates vary by employer.
How PTO Accrual Works
Accrual-Based PTO
Most employers use accrual-based PTO where you earn time off gradually each pay period. The longer you work, the more PTO you accumulate.
Lump-Sum PTO
Some employers give you all your PTO at once at the start of the year. This is simpler but may require proration if you leave mid-year.
Rollover Policies
Employers may let you carry unused PTO to the next year (often with caps), or have a "use it or lose it" policy where unused time expires.
PTO Caps
Many employers cap how much PTO you can bank (e.g., 240 hours). Once you hit the cap, you stop accruing until you use some time.
Minnesota PTO Laws
- Minnesota does not require employers to provide PTO, vacation, or sick leave (except under ESST for some employers)
- If an employer offers PTO, they must follow their stated policy
- Minnesota does not require payout of unused PTO upon termination unless the employer's policy says so
- Minnesota PFML is separate from PTO - it provides paid leave for family and medical reasons
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my PTO accrual?
To calculate PTO accrual, multiply your accrual rate by the number of pay periods. For example, if you earn 4 hours of PTO per bi-weekly pay period, you'd earn 4 × 26 = 104 hours (13 days) per year.
What is a typical PTO accrual rate?
Typical PTO accrual rates vary by tenure. New employees often start with 10-15 days per year (3.08-4.62 hours per bi-weekly pay period). After 5+ years, many employees earn 15-20 days per year.
How many hours is a day of PTO?
For full-time employees, one day of PTO typically equals 8 hours. So 10 days of PTO = 80 hours, 15 days = 120 hours, and 20 days = 160 hours per year.
Does PTO accrue while on leave?
It depends on your employer's policy and the type of leave. Many employers continue PTO accrual during paid leave but pause it during unpaid leave. Check your employee handbook or HR department.
What happens to unused PTO?
This varies by employer and state law. Some employers have 'use it or lose it' policies, others allow rollover (often with a cap), and some pay out unused PTO. Minnesota does not require PTO payout, but employers must follow their stated policy.
Is PTO the same as vacation time?
PTO (Paid Time Off) is often a combined bank that includes vacation, sick days, and personal days. Some employers separate these into distinct categories. This calculator works for any type of accrued time off.