PTO rollover calculator.
See how much PTO you can carry over, how much you'd forfeit to a cap, and the cash value of the time at risk.
Estimates only. PTO payout rights and tax withholding vary by state, employer policy, and individual circumstances. This is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult your state labor department or a qualified professional. See our methodology.
Rollover vs. forfeiture
If your year-end PTO balance is above your employer's carryover cap, the excess hours roll into next year only up to the cap — anything beyond it is forfeited unless you can cash it out. This calculator splits your balance into hours that roll over and hours at risk, and estimates the net cash value of the at-risk hours if you cash them out before year-end.
In states that treat accrued vacation as earned wages, caps cannot erase time you already earned — check your state's payout law. To value a cash-out, use the cash-out calculator, or see the after-tax total in the PTO payout calculator. Employers reworking caps can also model a switch to front-loaded PTO with the accrual-to-lump-sum transition calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PTO carryover cap?
A carryover cap is the maximum number of unused PTO hours your employer lets you roll into the next year. Hours above the cap are forfeited unless your policy or state law lets you cash them out.
Is use-it-or-lose-it PTO legal?
It depends on your state. States like California, Colorado, and Massachusetts treat accrued vacation as earned wages that cannot be forfeited, so caps cannot erase earned time. Many other states allow use-it-or-lose-it if clearly communicated in advance.
Should I roll over or cash out my PTO?
If your hours exceed the carryover cap, the excess is at risk. Cashing out the excess converts it to taxable cash now; rolling over keeps it as future time off where allowed. Compare the net cash value of the forfeited hours against keeping the time.