Leaving a job soon?
Download the free Final Paycheck & PTO Payout Checklist to review your pay, PTO balance, vacation payout, employer policy, and final paycheck details before relying on an estimate.
PTO & Final Paycheck Calculators
Vacation Payout Calculator
Estimate the possible cash value of unused vacation hours or days with a simple browser-based calculator.
Estimate only: This calculator provides an estimate only and is not legal, tax, payroll, or financial advice. PTO and final paycheck rules depend on state law, employer policy, employment agreement, and local regulations.
Browser-based estimate
Vacation Payout Estimate
Enter your unused vacation balance, pay rate, estimated withholding, and deductions to estimate gross and net payout.
How to Use This Vacation Calculator
Use this calculator when your employer shows a vacation balance separately from sick leave or other PTO. Enter the unused vacation balance, choose hours or days, and enter your pay rate.
If your employer combines vacation and PTO into one bank, use the balance your written policy treats as payable at separation.
Vacation Payout Formula
Unused vacation hours = unused vacation days x hours per workday, if you enter days.
Gross vacation payout = unused vacation hours x hourly rate.
Estimated withholding = gross vacation payout x withholding percentage.
Estimated net payout = gross vacation payout - estimated withholding - additional deductions.
Worked Example
Example: an employee has 5 unused vacation days, works 8 hours per day, and earns $30 per hour. The calculator converts 5 days to 40 hours.
Gross vacation payout is 40 x $30 = $1,200. With 22% estimated withholding and no extra deductions, the estimated net payout is $936.
Information to Gather First
- Your unused vacation balance from payroll or HR.
- Whether the balance is listed in hours or days.
- Your hourly wage or annual salary.
- The hours in your normal workday.
- The vacation payout section of your handbook or employment agreement.
- Any expected deductions or withholding percentage you want to estimate.
Common Vacation Payout Mistakes
- Mixing sick leave, personal leave, and vacation balances together.
- Using a rough balance instead of the most recent payroll balance.
- Assuming a verbal statement overrides the written policy.
- Forgetting to convert days into hours.
- Treating the net estimate as a guaranteed paycheck amount.
Helpful Next Steps for Vacation Payout
If your vacation balance is shown in days, weeks, or a mixed format, use the PTO conversion calculator to convert the balance before estimating payout.
If you are leaving soon and deciding whether to use vacation time or wait for a payout, review is it better to use PTO or get paid out? and compare the answer with your written policy.
State and Legal Caution
Vacation payout depends on state rules and employer policy. In some states, earned vacation can have stronger wage protections; in others, the written policy or contract may control the answer.
This calculator estimates a dollar amount only. It does not decide whether payout is legally required or whether a policy is enforceable.
Related Calculators and Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vacation payout different from PTO payout?
Sometimes. Some employers separate vacation, sick leave, and PTO banks, while others combine them. The written policy controls what balance should be estimated.
How do I estimate vacation payout for salary pay?
Enter your annual salary and unused vacation balance. The calculator estimates an hourly rate using annual salary divided by 2,080.
Can vacation payout depend on employer policy?
Yes. In many states, written policy or contract language is central to whether unused vacation is paid when employment ends.
Should I estimate taxes on vacation payout?
Yes, if you want a net estimate. The withholding field gives a rough estimate, but actual payroll withholding can differ.
Can I use this before resigning?
Yes. It can help you preview possible payout, but you should still review your handbook, pay stub, and applicable state guidance before making decisions.
What balance should I enter if my employer combines PTO and vacation?
Enter the balance your policy treats as payable vacation or PTO. Do not include protected sick leave or other leave types unless your policy says they are paid out.