Model year-end PTO carryover, forfeited hours, and cap limits. Plan usage before balances expire.
Enter current balance, carryover cap, and expected accrual before year-end.
Enter values and click Calculate.
Results are estimates based on common PTO policies. Actual employer policies and state laws may differ. Full disclaimer.
Only a set number of hours move to the next plan year; excess may be forfeited.
Some policies forfeit unused time — legality varies by state for earned vacation.
All unused hours carry forward until a maximum balance cap is hit.
Projected balance = Current + Pending · Carryover = min(Projected, Cap) · Forfeited = max(0, Projected − Cap)
| Annual PTO | 1.5× cap | Hours at risk if over cap |
|---|---|---|
| 80 hrs | 120 hrs | Balance above 120 forfeited |
| 120 hrs | 180 hrs | Balance above 180 forfeited |
| 160 hrs | 240 hrs | Balance above 240 forfeited |
Running this projection in Q4 helps avoid losing hours you earned. Check whether your state restricts forfeiture of accrued vacation.
56 current + 8 pending = 64 projected. With a 40-hour cap, about 24 hours may be forfeited unless used.
Formulas reviewed against official labor and payroll resources.
Estimates based on common PTO policies. Employer policies and state laws may differ. Full disclaimer.