Days Off Calculator - Paid Leave Entitlement
Calculate your annual paid leave entitlement based on your country, employment type, and working hours. This calculator helps you understand how many days off you're entitled to, including statutory paid leave and public holidays.
Understanding Paid Leave and Days Off
Paid leave, also known as paid time off (PTO), annual leave, or vacation days, is time away from work during which employees continue to receive their regular salary. Understanding your days off entitlement is essential for work-life balance, personal planning, and knowing your employment rights.
Leave policies vary significantly around the world, with some countries mandating generous statutory minimums while others leave it largely to employer discretion. This calculator helps you understand your entitlements based on your location and employment situation.
What is Statutory Paid Leave?
Statutory paid leave is the minimum amount of paid time off that employers are legally required to provide to employees. This is set by national or regional law and represents the baseline entitlement. Many employers offer additional leave beyond the statutory minimum as part of their benefits package.
Calculating Part-Time Leave Entitlement
For part-time employees, leave is typically calculated on a pro-rata basis. The formula is:
If full-time employees get 20 days leave and work 40 hours/week, a part-time employee working 24 hours/week would receive:
20 × (24/40) = 20 × 0.6 = 12 days
Pro-Rated Leave for New Employees
Employees who join mid-year typically receive pro-rated leave based on the portion of the leave year they will work:
Paid Leave by Country
Here's how statutory paid leave compares across major countries:
| Country | Statutory Minimum | Public Holidays | Total Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 20 days (28 including holidays) | 8 days | 28 days |
| Germany | 20 days minimum (24 common) | 9-13 days (varies by state) | 30-37 days |
| France | 25 days | 11 days | 36 days |
| Australia | 20 days | 8-10 days | 28-30 days |
| United States | 0 days (no federal mandate) | 10 federal holidays | ~15-20 days (employer discretion) |
| Japan | 10 days (after 6 months) | 16 days | 26+ days |
| Brazil | 30 days | 12 days | 42 days |
| UAE | 30 days | 10-14 days | 40-44 days |
Types of Leave
Beyond annual paid leave, employees may be entitled to other types of time off:
- Annual Leave: General purpose vacation time for personal use
- Public/Bank Holidays: National or regional holidays when most businesses close
- Sick Leave: Time off for illness or medical appointments
- Parental Leave: Time off for new parents (maternity, paternity, adoption)
- Bereavement Leave: Time off following the death of a family member
- Personal/Mental Health Days: Some employers offer days for general wellbeing
- Study Leave: Time off for education and training
Accruing Leave
Leave typically accrues throughout the year. There are different accrual methods:
- Monthly Accrual: A portion of annual leave is added each month (e.g., 1.67 days per month for 20 days annually)
- Annual Grant: Full entitlement is available from the start of the leave year
- Hourly Accrual: Leave accumulates based on hours worked
Carrying Over Unused Leave
Policies on carrying over unused leave vary:
- Some employers require all leave to be used within the leave year
- Others allow a limited number of days to carry forward
- Some companies offer to buy back unused leave
- In some jurisdictions, employers must allow carryover of certain leave
Can I Take Unpaid Leave?
Yes, unpaid leave is typically available after paid leave is exhausted, subject to employer approval. Common reasons for unpaid leave include:
- Extended travel
- Family emergencies beyond bereavement allowance
- Career breaks or sabbaticals
- Educational pursuits
Tips for Managing Your Days Off
- Plan Early: Book popular times (Christmas, school holidays) well in advance
- Check Company Policy: Understand carryover rules and booking procedures
- Spread Leave: Taking regular breaks throughout the year prevents burnout
- Bridge Days: Take single days between weekends and public holidays to maximize time off
- Track Your Balance: Monitor your remaining leave to avoid losing days
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days off am I entitled to in the UK?
In the UK, most workers are entitled to at least 28 days paid leave per year, which can include public holidays. For a standard 5-day work week, this typically breaks down as 20 days statutory leave plus 8 public holidays.
Do part-time workers get less holiday?
Part-time workers receive leave proportional to the hours they work. If you work 3 days per week, you're entitled to 3/5 (60%) of the full-time leave allowance.
What happens to unused leave if I resign?
In most jurisdictions, you're entitled to payment for any accrued but unused leave when you leave a job. This is typically calculated and included in your final pay.
Can my employer force me to take leave?
In some circumstances, yes. Employers can typically require employees to take leave during shutdown periods (like Christmas), provided they give adequate notice.