Direct answer
Add the scheduled work hours you will miss. PTO hours should usually match scheduled hours missed, not calendar days away.
Use this working rule: PTO hours needed = sum of scheduled hours missed.
Open PTO CalculatorExample with numbers
Three 8-hour vacation days need 24 PTO hours. Three 10-hour days need 30 PTO hours.
Requested dates: Mon, Tue, Wed; scheduled hours: 8 + 8 + 8; PTO needed: 24 hours.
Comparison table
| Input | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Known number | PTO hours needed = sum of scheduled hours missed. | Three 8-hour vacation days need 24 PTO hours. Three 10-hour days need 30 PTO hours. |
| Calculator check | Enter the same inputs in the related tool | Open PTO Calculator |
| Copyable note | Save the result with assumptions | Requested dates: Mon, Tue, Wed; scheduled hours: 8 + 8 + 8; PTO needed: 24 hours. |
Step-by-step check
Key checks
- List each date you will miss.
- Write the scheduled hours for each date.
- Exclude days you were not scheduled to work.
- Adjust for paid holidays if your policy covers them.
- Add the remaining scheduled hours.
When this gets tricky
Do not assume one PTO day always equals 8 hours.
Do not count weekends or normal days off.
Do not subtract holidays unless the policy says the holiday is paid separately.
Copy this result format
Requested dates: Mon, Tue, Wed; scheduled hours: 8 + 8 + 8; PTO needed: 24 hours.
Keep the inputs visible. That makes the answer easier to reuse in a timesheet note, payroll message, PTO request, or deadline explanation.
Related internal path
Related page: /guides/how-do-i-know-if-pto-should-be-hours-or-days/
Related page: /guides/how-many-pto-hours-do-i-need-for-vacation/
Open PTO Calculator