How Much Vacation & Sick Leave Do I Have? 2026 Calculator ★★★★★

How Much Vacation & Sick Leave Do I Have? Complete 2026 Guide

The most common question for US employees is "how much vacation and sick leave do I have left?" Our Vacation vs Sick Leave Calculator 2026 provides the answer instantly, tracking both balances separately with industry-standard formulas and state-specific requirements. With over 75,000 monthly users, it's the most trusted tool for leave management.

Vacation vs Sick Leave — Key Differences

Vacation Leave: Planned time off for travel, rest, and personal matters. Typically requires advance notice, has carryover limits (often 40-80 hours), and is usually paid out upon termination in most states. Vacation accrual often increases with tenure (e.g., 80 hours for 0-2 years, 120 for 3-5 years, 160 for 5+ years). Sick Leave: For illness, medical appointments, and family care. Often protected by state law, may have unlimited carryover, and is rarely paid out upon termination. 15 states plus DC now mandate paid sick leave with minimums of 24-48 hours per year.

2026 State Sick Leave Mandates

California: 24-48 hours/year, 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours cap. New York: 40 hours/year, based on company size. Massachusetts: 40 hours/year, 1 hour per 30 hours worked. Colorado: 48 hours/year, effective 2026. Washington: Unlimited accrual, 1 hour per 40 hours worked. Oregon, Connecticut, Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Nevada, Illinois: All mandate 40 hours/year with varying accrual rates. Our calculator automatically adjusts sick leave to meet state minimums.

How to Calculate Your Leave Balances

Current Balance = Starting Balance + Accrued to Date - Used Hours. For example: Vacation starting 40 hours + monthly accrual 6.67 × 6 months = 40 hours accrued - 16 hours used = 64 hours remaining. Usage Rate = (Used ÷ Annual) × 100% — tells you if you're on track. Year-End Projection = Monthly Average × 12 — helps avoid forfeiture or depletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why 75,000+ US Employees Trust This Calculator

This Vacation vs Sick Leave Calculator is built using 2026 US labor standards, state sick leave mandates, and industry best practices. Over 75,000 US employees use it to track separate leave balances, plan vacations, and ensure compliance with state laws. No sign-up, completely free, and updated monthly. Last updated: June 1, 2026.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual leave policies vary by employer. Not legal advice.