Leave Carryover Calculator
The Leave Carryover Calculator helps you understand what happens to your unused annual leave at year-end. Carryover policies vary significantly between organizations and jurisdictions, and this tool helps you plan accordingly. Some employers operate "use it or lose it" policies where unused leave expires. Others allow limited carryover, while some permit unlimited rollover. Understanding your specific situation is crucial for planning your time off effectively. This calculator takes into account your current balance, days remaining, carryover limits, and any expiry dates to give you a clear picture of what you can keep and what you might lose.
planning
Category
beginner
Difficulty
2 minutes
Time needed
2025-01-15
Last reviewed
Why use this calculator
Calculate exactly how much leave you can carry over
Calculate how much unused annual leave you can carry over to the next leave year.
Identify days at risk of expiring
Calculate how much unused annual leave you can carry over to the next leave year.
Plan time off to avoid losing leave
Calculate how much unused annual leave you can carry over to the next leave year.
Understand your carryover limits
Calculate how much unused annual leave you can carry over to the next leave year.
Track expiry dates for carried-over leave
Calculate how much unused annual leave you can carry over to the next leave year.
Inputs and outputs
Inputs
Current leave balance: number - Days of leave you have remaining
Leave year end date: date - When does your current leave year end?
Leave already planned before year end: number - Days of leave you have booked before year end
Carryover policy: radio - What is your employer's carryover policy?
Carryover limit (if applicable): number - Maximum days you can carry over
Carryover expiry period: select - When must carried-over leave be used by?
Outputs
Projected Balance at Year End: days - Leave remaining after planned time off
Days You Can Carry Over: days - Leave that will roll into next year
Days at Risk of Expiring: days - Leave you will lose if not taken
Carryover Must Be Used By: text - Deadline for using carried-over leave
Recommendation: text - Suggested action to avoid losing leave
Methodology
Calculation method
Balance at Year End = Current Balance - Planned Leave. Carryover = min(Balance at Year End, Carryover Limit). Days at Risk = Balance at Year End - Carryover.
Formula: Carryover = min(Balance - Planned, Limit); At Risk = Balance - Planned - Carryover
How it works
Enter your current leave balance
Specify your leave year end date
Enter any leave already planned
Select your carryover policy
Enter the carryover limit if applicable
Review results and recommendations
Compliance note
Carryover rules vary by organization and jurisdiction. This calculator provides general guidance. Always verify your specific policy with HR.
Legal basis: Working Time Regulations 1998 (UK), various company policies
Example scenarios
Limited Carryover - Over Limit
Employee with 12 days remaining, 5-day limit
Why it matters: With 9 days remaining and a 5-day limit, 4 days will expire if not taken.
Use It or Lose It
Employee facing full expiry
Why it matters: All 6 remaining days will be lost if not taken before year end.
Unlimited Carryover - Safe
Employee with generous policy
Why it matters: With unlimited carryover, no days are at risk.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer force me to take leave?
In the UK, employers can require you to take leave with appropriate notice (at least twice the length of leave). In the US, policies vary by employer.
What if I was sick and couldn't take my leave?
In the UK, if you were off sick and couldn't take leave, you can carry over up to 4 weeks to the following year. Similar protections exist in some other jurisdictions.
Can I be paid for unused leave instead of carrying over?
Generally, you can only be paid for unused leave when your employment ends. Some employers offer "sell back" programs, but this is voluntary.
Does carried-over leave expire?
It depends on your employer's policy. Some require carried-over leave to be used within a few months of the new year, while others have no expiry.
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