Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Miles | POVs | Travel Days | Mileage Rate | Per Diem Rate | Sample DLA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Airman CONUS | 650 | 1 | 2 | 0.22 | 178.00 | 0.00 |
| Airman with dependents | 1,250 | 1 | 4 | 0.22 | 178.00 | 3,000.00 |
| Two authorized vehicles | 1,900 | 2 | 5 | 0.22 | 178.00 | 3,500.00 |
Formula Used
Authorized travel days: If miles are entered, days are estimated as miles divided by 350. A remainder of 51 miles or more adds one day. The result is at least one day when distance is above zero. A manual override replaces this estimate.
MALT: Official miles × mileage rate × authorized POVs.
Per diem: Travel days × member rate, plus dependent portions. Spouse, age 12+, and under age 12 percentages are editable.
Temporary lodging: Lodging days × daily amount. If a cap is entered, the lower value is used.
PPM net: Constructive cost × payable percent. Taxable PPM × withholding percent is subtracted for net planning.
Net estimate: MALT + per diem + DLA + lodging + PPM gross + other reimbursements − withholding − advances − deductions.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the official distance from your orders or approved distance source. Enter the mileage rate, daily per diem rate, and DLA amount from current guidance. Add dependents by age group. Add lodging, PPM, tolls, tickets, advances, and expected costs. Press Calculate. Then export a CSV or PDF copy for your records.
PCS Entitlement Planning Guide
Understanding PCS Entitlements
A permanent change of station can create many costs. Airmen may drive, ship goods, stay in lodging, and support family travel. This calculator gives a planning estimate before the voucher is prepared. It does not replace orders, finance review, or the Joint Travel Regulations. It helps organize the numbers in one place.
Why This Estimate Matters
PCS payments can include mileage, travel per diem, dislocation allowance, temporary lodging, and personally procured move payments. Some items are taxable. Some are capped. Some depend on grade, dependents, location, orders, and available receipts. Small errors can change the final payment. A clear estimate helps you compare advances with expected reimbursement. It also helps you avoid surprise cash gaps during the move.
What The Calculator Checks
The tool estimates authorized travel days from official distance. It then multiplies miles by the entered mileage rate and the number of authorized vehicles. It adds per diem for the member and eligible dependents. You can adjust the spouse and child percentages. You can also enter a flat DLA amount. Temporary lodging is estimated from days, daily amount, and an optional cap. PPM payment is handled separately because it may have withholding.
Using The Results Wisely
Use the result as a worksheet. Enter the rates shown on current orders or finance guidance. Add advances already paid. Add expected out of pocket costs. The net estimate shows likely cash after withholding and advances. The variance shows whether your expected costs are above or below the estimated entitlement. Export the CSV for a spreadsheet. Export the PDF for a simple move folder record.
Important Planning Notes
Every PCS is different. OCONUS moves, dependents not traveling together, circuitous travel, leave en route, government quarters, and split shipments can change the answer. Keep receipts. Keep copies of orders and amendments. Ask your local finance office when a field does not match your situation. Treat this page as a planning calculator. Treat official guidance as the final authority. Recheck rates near your departure date, because amounts can change. Save your inputs after every major update. Review each section before travel starts. Update the worksheet when routes, lodging plans, or dependent travel dates change. Clear records make voucher review easier later.
FAQs
Is this an official Air Force payment tool?
No. It is a planning calculator. Your official payment depends on orders, receipts, travel rules, finance processing, and approved vouchers.
What does the mileage field use?
Use the official ordered distance or approved distance source. The calculator multiplies that distance by the entered mileage rate and authorized vehicle count.
Can I change PCS rates?
Yes. All rates are editable. Enter the current mileage, per diem, DLA, lodging, and withholding values that apply to your move.
Why is there a manual travel day override?
Some orders or routes need a specific day count. Enter a manual value when official guidance differs from the automatic estimate.
Does the calculator include dependents?
Yes. It separates spouse, dependents age 12 or older, and dependents under age 12. You can edit each per diem percentage.
How is temporary lodging handled?
Enter lodging days and the daily amount. If you enter a cap, the calculator uses the lower of the raw total and the cap.
How is PPM withholding estimated?
The calculator multiplies the PPM gross amount by the taxable percent. It then applies the withholding percent for a planning estimate.
Why export CSV or PDF?
CSV helps with spreadsheets. PDF helps keep a simple move record. Both exports include the main estimated entitlement totals.