How this vacation days calculator works
Choose the first and last day of your time off and your usual work week. The calculator counts the work days in that range — weekends and other non-work days don't use vacation — and subtracts any public holidays that fall on work days, since you're already paid for those. What's left is the number of vacation days the trip will use.
It also compares that with the vacation days you have available, showing how many you'd have left, or by how many you'd come up short.
Stretching your vacation days
The trick to a long break is attaching your days off to weekends and holidays. Taking Monday to Friday off gives you nine days away — the weekend on each side comes free — for just five vacation days. The calculator shows how many days off you get for each vacation day used so you can compare different date choices.
Planning tips
- Bracket your time off with weekends. Starting on a Monday and ending on a Friday makes the weekends on both sides part of your break.
- Use holiday weeks. A holiday in the middle of your trip costs you nothing extra — count it in the holidays field.
- Check your remaining balance first. The PTO calculator shows what you'll have accrued by your trip date.
- Confirm approval rules. Some employers require notice or block out busy periods.
Frequently asked questions
How many vacation days do I need for a trip?
Count the work days between your first and last day off, then subtract public holidays that fall on those days. Weekends and other non-work days don't use vacation.
Do weekends count as vacation days?
Normally not. Only days you would have worked count against your balance, which is why trips that include weekends stretch your vacation further.
What if I work a different schedule?
Choose the work week that matches yours, such as Monday to Saturday or Sunday to Thursday. If your schedule is irregular, count your scheduled shifts instead.
How many vacation days do most people get?
In the US, employers commonly offer 10–15 days a year to start, rising with years of service. Many other countries mandate 20 or more days.
What about half days?
This calculator counts whole days. If you'll take a half day, subtract 0.5 from the result.
This calculator is for general informational purposes only. Your employer's leave policy determines how vacation days are counted.