hmrc holiday calculator

How this HMRC holiday calculator works

This tool estimates statutory annual leave for workers in the UK. It follows the core HMRC/GOV.UK framework of 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per leave year, then applies pro-rata logic when someone joins or leaves part-way through the year.

It is especially useful if you need a quick estimate for:

• full-time employees,
• part-time workers,
• new starters, and
• employees leaving before the leave year ends.

Statutory holiday entitlement in simple terms

1) Full-year entitlement

The statutory minimum is usually:

• 5.6 weeks of holiday each year
• for someone working 5 days per week: 28 days
• for someone working 3 days per week: 16.8 days

In the statutory framework, entitlement is generally capped at 28 days for workers with a regular week.

2) Pro-rata entitlement

If employment does not cover the entire leave year, entitlement is prorated by time employed in that leave year. This calculator compares your employment period against the leave-year dates and scales entitlement accordingly.

3) Remaining balance

After pro-rata entitlement is calculated, we subtract holiday already taken to estimate your remaining paid leave balance.

Formula used by the calculator

• Full-year days = min(days worked per week × 5.6, 28)
• Pro-rata days = full-year days × (days employed in leave year ÷ total days in leave year)
• Rounded entitlement = rounded up to nearest 0.5 day (common payroll practice)
• Remaining days = rounded entitlement − days already taken

It also shows day-to-hour conversion using your hours-per-day input to help with rota and payroll planning.

Example scenarios

Employee joins halfway through the year

If someone works 5 days per week but starts around the midpoint of the leave year, the entitlement is roughly half of 28 days (before rounding).

Part-time team member

For a colleague working 3 days weekly, full-year entitlement is 16.8 days. If they only work part of the leave year, entitlement is reduced proportionally.

Employee has already taken leave

If holiday taken is greater than the calculated accrued amount at the as-of date, the calculator will show a negative remaining balance to flag potential overuse.

Bank holidays and contractual enhancement

Many employers include bank holidays within the 5.6-week entitlement. Others offer bank holidays plus extra leave. Contract terms can therefore be more generous than statutory minimums.

This page estimates statutory-style entitlement; always check:

• employment contract,
• staff handbook, and
• company holiday policy.

Common mistakes this tool helps prevent

• Using calendar year instead of your actual leave year
• Ignoring joiner/leaver pro-rata adjustments
• Not tracking leave taken before payroll cut-off dates
• Mixing hours and days without a consistent conversion rule

Important note

This calculator is an educational estimator, not legal advice. For complex cases (irregular hours, accrual methods, maternity/adoption leave interactions, long-term sickness, or disputed records), use official GOV.UK guidance and seek professional HR/payroll advice.