PTO Accrual Calculator
See how your paid time off builds up over the year
United States vacation policy
The US has no federal law mandating paid vacation. Most employers offer 10-15 days for new employees, increasing with tenure. Policies are entirely at employer discretion.
Legal basis: No federal mandate (FLSA)
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How does PTO accrual work?
PTO accrual is the process of earning paid time off over time. Most companies use either monthly accrual (earning a portion each month, e.g., 2.08 days/month for 25 days/year) or annual grants (receiving full allowance at year start). The accrual method affects when you can take vacation and how your balance builds up.
What happens to unused PTO at year end?
This varies by country and company policy. Some countries like Denmark allow up to 5 days carryover with a grace period until December 31. Others like Spain have use-it-or-lose-it policies. Many countries specify how long carryover remains valid — for example, Germany requires using carryover by March 31.
How many vacation days do employees get in different countries?
Statutory minimums vary significantly: Denmark mandates 25 days, Germany 20 days, UK 28 days (including bank holidays), France 25 days, and Australia 20 days. The US has no federal mandate, with 15 days being typical. Many employers offer additional discretionary days on top of statutory requirements.
What are "free" vacation days?
When your carryover exceeds the allowed limit, those excess days will be forfeited at expiry anyway. Taking vacation from this excess is essentially "free" — it doesn't reduce your final balance because those days would have been lost. This calculator shows you how many free days you have available.
Vacation Laws by Country
Vacation entitlement varies significantly across jurisdictions. The EU Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) establishes a minimum of four weeks paid annual leave for all member states, though many exceed this floor. Countries outside the EU set their own standards, with the United States notably lacking any federal mandate.
Denmark
The Danish Holiday Act (Ferieloven) entitles employees to 25 days of paid leave per year. Denmark operates on a unique leave year running September 1 through August 31, with accrual during the preceding qualification year. Up to 5 unused days may be carried over by written agreement, expiring December 31. Many employers supplement statutory leave with 5 additional "feriefridage" (special holidays), though these are contractual rather than statutory.
Germany
The Federal Holiday Act (Bundesurlaubsgesetz, BUrlG) mandates a minimum of 20 working days for a five-day week (24 for six-day weeks). Most collective agreements and employment contracts provide 25-30 days. Unused leave must be taken by March 31 of the following year, after which it typically expires unless prevented by illness or operational requirements. The Federal Labour Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht) has ruled that employers must actively encourage employees to take leave.
United Kingdom
The Working Time Regulations 1998 provide 5.6 weeks of statutory leave (28 days for full-time workers), which may include the 8 public bank holidays. Employers can choose whether bank holidays count toward the statutory allowance. The regulations permit carryover of up to 8 days into the following leave year when agreed in the employment contract. Leave is calculated pro-rata for part-time workers.
France
The French Labour Code (Code du travail) guarantees 2.5 working days per month worked, totaling 30 days (5 weeks) annually. The reference period runs June 1 to May 31. Employees must take at least 12 consecutive days during the main summer period (May 1 to October 31). Additional days (RTT - Réduction du Temps de Travail) are common in companies where the standard workweek exceeds 35 hours.
Netherlands
Dutch law mandates a minimum of four times the weekly working hours as annual leave — typically 20 days for full-time employees. Many employers provide 25 days. Statutory minimum leave expires six months after the calendar year in which it was earned (July 1), though contractual leave often has longer validity. The law distinguishes between statutory and above-statutory leave, with different carryover rules for each.
Sweden
The Swedish Annual Leave Act (Semesterlagen) provides 25 days of paid vacation. Employees have the right to take at least four consecutive weeks during June through August. Unused days can be saved for up to five years. Sweden's system is notable for its flexibility: employees may save days rather than lose them, and the law explicitly protects the right to summer holiday.
Spain
The Workers' Statute (Estatuto de los Trabajadores) guarantees 30 calendar days or 22 working days of paid vacation. Spain operates a strict use-it-or-lose-it policy with no statutory right to carry over unused leave. Vacation cannot be compensated monetarily except upon termination of employment. Collective agreements may provide additional days.
Australia
The National Employment Standards provide 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave for full-time workers, accruing progressively throughout the year. Shift workers may receive an additional week. Unlike many European countries, Australian leave accumulates indefinitely without expiry. Leave loading (typically 17.5% extra pay during vacation) is common under many awards and agreements.
United States
The United States has no federal law mandating paid vacation. The Fair Labor Standards Act covers minimum wage and overtime but does not address paid time off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry workers receive an average of 10-15 days after one year of service, increasing with tenure. Policies are entirely at employer discretion, and "unlimited PTO" arrangements — which studies show often result in employees taking less time off — have become increasingly common in knowledge work sectors.
Canada
Vacation entitlement in Canada is governed by provincial and territorial employment standards, with federal standards applying to federally regulated industries. Most jurisdictions mandate 2 weeks after one year of service, increasing to 3 weeks after 5-6 years. Some provinces (Saskatchewan, Quebec) provide 3 weeks from the start. Vacation pay is typically calculated as a percentage of wages (4% for 2 weeks, 6% for 3 weeks).
Ireland
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 entitles employees to 4 weeks (20 days) of paid annual leave. Leave must be taken within the leave year or within 6 months after year end with employer agreement. Carry-over beyond 15 months from accrual is not protected. Public holidays (9 days) are provided separately from annual leave.