How to use the comp time calculator
- Enter the extra hours worked that earn comp time, and the number of comp hours earned for each extra hour, as set by your policy.
- Enter your comp time balance now and the number of comp hours you plan to take off.
- Optionally enter a balance limit, your hourly pay and the number of hours in your work day.
- Read the comp time earned, the balance after earning and after taking time off, and what the remaining balance is worth.
Formula
Comp hours earned = extra hours worked x comp hours per extra hour
Balance after earning = balance now + comp hours earned
Balance after time off = balance after earning - hours taken
Work days = hours / hours in a work day
The value of the balance is the hours left times your hourly pay. It is shown as information and is not a payout.
Ten extra hours at a 1.5 to 1 ratio
You work 10 extra hours and the policy gives 1.5 comp hours for each one, so you earn 15 hours. With 4 hours already banked, the balance becomes 19 hours.
Taking 8 hours off, one full day, leaves 11 hours, which is 1.38 work days. At $30 an hour those 11 hours are worth $330.00 in pay.
Reading your policy
Comp time is time off in place of overtime pay. Who may receive it, the ratio, the limit on the balance, how long you can hold it and what happens when you leave are set by the law that applies to your employer and by your employer policy. The numbers on this page are whatever you enter.
If your policy pays overtime in cash instead, use the overtime calculator. To see what unused paid time off is worth, try the vacation payout calculator.
Checking your balance limit
Many policies stop comp time from accruing above a limit, or require extra hours to be paid in cash. Enter the limit from your policy and the tool flags a balance above it, without changing the arithmetic.
For regular leave that accrues with hours worked, see the PTO accrual calculator.
Assumptions and limits
- The ratio of comp hours per extra hour is an example. Use the ratio from your policy or agreement.
- The balance limit, if you enter one, is only a check and does not change the result.
- Hourly pay is used only to show a value and does not include any premium.
- Rules about comp time vary by employer, sector and state. This is not legal or payroll advice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate comp time?
Multiply the extra hours you worked by the comp hours your policy gives for each one. Ten extra hours at 1.5 to 1 earns 15 comp hours.
How many days of comp time is my balance?
Divide the hours by the number of hours in your work day. A balance of 11 hours with an 8 hour day is 1.38 days.
What if my balance goes over the limit?
Policies differ. Some stop earning comp time above the limit, and others pay the excess. The tool flags the hours over so you can check your policy.
Can I take comp time before I earn it?
Not in this tool. The hours you plan to take cannot be more than your balance after earning, so the result stays a real balance.