Leave Pay Calculator (South Africa)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate South African annual leave — 21 consecutive days per cycle (≈15 working days), the accrual alternatives, and the payout owed for untaken leave at exit.
Quick answer: BCEA: 21 consecutive days of paid leave per 12-month cycle (≈15 working days on a 5-day week) — or by agreement 1 day per 17 worked / 1 hour per 17. At termination, accrued untaken leave MUST pay out at the current rate.
The BCEA Leave Rules
| Entitlement | 21 consecutive days per annual cycle — ≈15 working days (5-day week) or 18 (6-day) |
| Accrual alternative | 1 day per 17 days worked (or 1 hr/17) by agreement — same destination |
| Timing | Within 6 months after the cycle ends; employer schedules by agreement |
| Pay rate | Your remuneration rate at the time leave is taken/paid |
| No forfeiture at exit | Accrued untaken leave pays out with the final salary — use-it-or-lose-it clauses can’t defeat accrued statutory leave |
| Leave cannot be bought out | While employed, statutory leave must be TAKEN (payout only at termination) |
Worked Examples
Example 1 — exit payout. R20,000/month, 8 untaken working days: daily rate R20,000 ÷ 21.67 = R923 → R7,384 in the final pay.
Example 2 — accrual check. 7 months into the cycle: ~8.75 working days accrued (15 × 7/12) — the number to compare against your taken days before resigning.
Exit Sequencing
Final pay = salary to date + leave payout + (retrenchments) severance + notice; UIF runs separately with the UI-19. Employers deducting "excess leave taken" may do so only for genuinely advanced leave with agreement — blanket clawbacks are disputable at CCMA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leave days in South Africa?
21 consecutive days per annual cycle — about 15 working days on a 5-day week — or accrual at 1 day per 17 worked by agreement.
Is untaken leave paid out when I leave?
Yes — accrued statutory leave must pay out at termination at your current rate; forfeiture clauses cannot defeat it.
Can I be paid instead of taking leave?
Not while employed — statutory leave must be taken; cash conversion is lawful only for the exit payout.
How is a leave day valued?
Monthly remuneration ÷ 21.67 for monthly-paid staff (working-day basis) — at the rate current when paid.
When must leave be granted?
Within six months after the leave cycle ends — chronic deferral is a BCEA breach employees can escalate.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026