Per Diem Calculator
Calculate the total per diem amount based on a daily rate and the number of days.
Enter Per Diem Details
Frequently Asked Questions about Per Diem
1. What is "Per Diem"?
"Per diem" is a Latin phrase meaning "for the day." It refers to a daily allowance for expenses, often related to travel, lodging, meals, or incidentals for employees traveling for work.
2. How is Per Diem usually calculated?
Typically, it's calculated by multiplying the fixed daily rate by the number of days covered. This calculator performs that basic function.
3. Does the daily rate include everything?
It depends on the policy. Per diem rates can cover meals and incidentals (M&IE), or lodging, meals, and incidentals (L&M&IE), or just meals. Your organization's specific policy determines what the rate covers.
4. Where do per diem rates come from?
Rates can be set by government agencies (like the GSA for US federal employees), employers, or union agreements. They often vary based on location and time of year to reflect typical costs in that area.
5. Are there different rates for travel days?
Yes, some policies might calculate a reduced rate (e.g., 75% of the full daily rate) for the first and last day of travel compared to full travel days.
6. Do I pay tax on per diem?
Generally, per diem payments up to the standard federal rate for a location are non-taxable when used for legitimate business expenses. Amounts exceeding the standard rate may be considered taxable income. Consult a tax professional or your HR department for specific tax advice.
7. What are incidental expenses?
Incidentals typically include fees and tips given to porters, baggage handlers, service providers, and similar expenses. Some definitions may include laundry or dry cleaning costs.
8. Can I calculate per diem for partial days?
This basic calculator works with whole days. For partial day calculations, you would need a policy that specifies how partial days are handled (e.g., a percentage of the daily rate, or requiring a specific number of hours traveled). You could represent a partial day as a decimal (e.g., 0.5 days if allowed by policy).
9. Is per diem the same as expense reimbursement?
No. Expense reimbursement requires you to track and submit actual receipts for your costs. Per diem provides a fixed allowance upfront, regardless of the exact amount spent (up to the limit), simplifying administration.
10. What are the inputs for this specific calculator?
This simple calculator requires only two inputs: the standard Daily Per Diem Rate (the fixed amount allowed per day) and the total Number of Days the per diem applies to.
Per Diem Calculation Examples
Click on an example to see the calculation details:
Example 1: Standard Business Trip
Scenario: Calculate per diem for a 5-day business trip with a fixed daily rate.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $75, Number of Days = 5.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $75 × 5
4. Result: $375
Conclusion: The total per diem allowance for the trip is $375.
Example 2: Longer Project
Scenario: A contractor is on a project for 30 days with a per diem.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $100, Number of Days = 30.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $100 × 30
4. Result: $3,000
Conclusion: The total per diem for the 30-day project is $3,000.
Example 3: Short Local Travel
Scenario: Calculate per diem for a short 2-day local assignment.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $50, Number of Days = 2.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $50 × 2
4. Result: $100
Conclusion: The total per diem for the 2-day assignment is $100.
Example 4: Field Work
Scenario: A crew is doing field work for 14 days with a specific daily rate.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $65, Number of Days = 14.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $65 × 14
4. Result: $910
Conclusion: The total per diem for the 14 days of field work is $910.
Example 5: Conference Attendance
Scenario: Attending a conference for 3 days with a higher rate due to location.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $120, Number of Days = 3.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $120 × 3
4. Result: $360
Conclusion: The total per diem for the 3-day conference is $360.
Example 6: Zero Days (Edge Case)
Scenario: Calculating per diem for a trip that was planned but cancelled before starting (0 days).
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $80, Number of Days = 0.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $80 × 0
4. Result: $0
Conclusion: If the number of days is 0, the total per diem is 0.
Example 7: Per Diem Rate with Cents
Scenario: Calculate per diem using a rate that includes cents.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $67.55, Number of Days = 7.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $67.55 × 7
4. Result: $472.85
Conclusion: The total per diem for 7 days at $67.55/day is $472.85.
Example 8: Quick Estimate
Scenario: A quick estimate needed for a 10-day training course.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $90, Number of Days = 10.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $90 × 10
4. Result: $900
Conclusion: The estimated total per diem for 10 days is $900.
Example 9: Project Milestones
Scenario: Calculating per diem for a specific 21-day phase of a project.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $85, Number of Days = 21.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $85 × 21
4. Result: $1,785
Conclusion: The per diem for the 21-day phase is $1,785.
Example 10: Annual Per Diem Budgeting
Scenario: Budgeting for an employee who travels approximately 45 days per year.
1. Known Values: Daily Rate = $70, Number of Days = 45.
2. Formula: Total Per Diem = Daily Rate × Number of Days
3. Calculation: Total Per Diem = $70 × 45
4. Result: $3,150
Conclusion: An estimated annual per diem budget for this employee is $3,150.
