How holiday entitlement is worked out
Almost all workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year. If you work a fixed number of days a week, that's your days per week multiplied by 5.6, capped at 28 days. Someone working 5 days a week gets 28 days, and someone working 6 days a week also gets 28 days because of the cap.
If you work a fixed number of hours each week, your entitlement is your weekly hours multiplied by 5.6, capped at 28 of your working days. Someone working 48 hours over 6 days gets 224 hours (28 days of 8 hours), not 268.8.
If you start or leave part way through the leave year, your entitlement is pro rata to the share of the year you work. For leave years starting on or after 1 April 2024, irregular-hours and part-year workers build up holiday at 12.07% of the hours they work in each pay period.
Worked example
Working 5 days a week for the whole leave year gives 5 × 5.6 = 28 days, which is 5.6 weeks. Working 3 days a week gives 16.8 days.
If you work 5 days a week but join half way through the leave year, you get half of 28 days, which is 14 days.
On 37.5 hours a week, your entitlement is 210 hours. If you work irregular hours and do 120 hours in a pay period, you build up 12.07% of that, about 14.5 hours of holiday.
Bank holidays and extra leave
Bank holidays can be included in your statutory entitlement; employers don't have to give them on top. Your employer can choose to give you more than the statutory minimum, so check your contract for your actual entitlement.
This calculator shows the statutory minimum only. It doesn't work out holiday pay or carry-over of unused leave.
Inputs for the holiday calculator
How do you work?
Choose a fixed number of days each week, a fixed number of hours each week, or irregular hours or part of the year. The other inputs change to match.
Days worked per week
Shown when you work a fixed number of days or hours. Enter how many days you work each week; half days are allowed, such as 2.5. For fixed hours it sets the length of your working day for the 28-day cap.
Hours worked per week
Shown when you work a fixed number of hours. Enter your usual weekly hours.
Share of the leave year you work
Shown for fixed days or hours. Leave it at 100% if you work the whole leave year. Enter less if you start or leave part way through, such as 50% for half the year.
Hours worked in the pay period
Shown for irregular hours or part of the year. Enter the hours you actually worked in the pay period; you build up 12.07% of them as holiday.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Holiday calculator questions
How many days holiday am I entitled to?
5.6 weeks a year, capped at 28 days. If you work 5 days a week, that's 28 days. Part-time workers get the same 5.6 weeks pro rata, so 3 days a week gives 16.8 days.
Are bank holidays included in my 28 days?
They can be. Employers can count bank holidays as part of your statutory entitlement, or give them in addition. Check your contract.
How is holiday worked out for irregular hours?
For leave years starting on or after 1 April 2024, irregular-hours and part-year workers build up holiday at 12.07% of the hours worked in each pay period.
What if I start a job part way through the year?
Your entitlement is pro rata to the share of the leave year you work. Starting half way through a year gives half the full entitlement.
Can my employer give me more holiday?
Yes. The calculator shows the legal minimum. Many employers give more, and your contract sets out your actual entitlement.