holidays entitlement calculator

How this holidays entitlement calculator works

This holidays entitlement calculator uses a simple method based on weeks of leave per year. The default is 5.6 weeks, which is the UK statutory minimum for most workers. It then converts that into days and hours based on your working pattern.

If your employment only covers part of the leave year, the tool also calculates a pro-rata entitlement. That gives you a fair estimate of how much holiday you build up between your start and end dates.

Holiday entitlement basics (UK)

The 5.6-week rule

Under UK rules, most workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave each leave year. For a worker doing 5 days per week, that equals:

• 5.6 × 5 = 28 days per year
• Equivalent in hours depends on daily hours worked

Part-time workers

Part-time staff are entitled to the same number of weeks, but fewer total days because they work fewer days each week.

• 3 days/week: 5.6 × 3 = 16.8 days
• 4 days/week: 5.6 × 4 = 22.4 days

Bank holidays

Bank holidays may be included within the 5.6 weeks, depending on contract terms. Some employers offer bank holidays on top; others count them as part of annual leave. Always check your contract or handbook.

Pro-rata holiday entitlement for starters and leavers

If you start or leave during the leave year, your entitlement is usually reduced proportionally. This calculator does that by comparing:

• Total number of days in the leave year
• Number of days you are employed during that leave year

The formula is:

Pro-rata entitlement = full-year entitlement × (employed days ÷ leave-year days)

How to use the calculator

Step-by-step

• Enter your average working days per week.
• Enter average hours per day (for hours conversion).
• Confirm annual entitlement in weeks (default 5.6).
• Set leave year start and end dates.
• Add your employment start date and optional end date.
• Click Calculate entitlement.

You’ll see both full-year entitlement and pro-rata entitlement for your selected period, plus monthly accrual estimates.

Example scenarios

Example 1: Full-time worker all year

Someone works 5 days per week, 7.5 hours per day, for the full leave year:

• Annual leave days: 5 × 5.6 = 28.00 days
• Annual leave hours: 28 × 7.5 = 210.00 hours

Example 2: Part-time worker joins halfway through year

A worker does 3 days per week at 6 hours per day, joining halfway through the leave year:

• Full-year days: 3 × 5.6 = 16.8 days
• If they work 50% of leave year: about 8.4 days pro-rata
• Hours equivalent: 8.4 × 6 = 50.4 hours

Good practice for employers and employees

• Confirm whether your policy rounds up, down, or to the nearest half day.
• Track leave taken so remaining balance stays accurate.
• Check carry-over rules, especially around sickness or family leave.
• Keep written records of accrual and approved leave requests.

Frequently asked questions

Is this calculator legally binding?

No. It is an estimate tool to help with planning. Your contract, local policy, and current employment law are the final authority.

What if my schedule changes during the year?

If your working pattern changes significantly, calculate each period separately and add the totals. That will give a more accurate entitlement.

Can entitlement be shown in hours instead of days?

Yes. This calculator provides both. Hour-based tracking is often clearer for variable shift patterns.

Final note

This holidays entitlement calculator is designed to be practical and quick. For disputes, complex contracts, or irregular-hours arrangements, consult HR, payroll, or an employment adviser for a definitive calculation.