How much notice should I give?

Notice Period Calculator

See the last day your notice commits you to and copy a resignation letter that puts that date in writing.

Just need the date? Use the Last Working Day Calculator.

Data updated September 26, 2026
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Your notice period

Enter the date you give notice and how long it is to see your last day and a letter.

Your answer will show

The answer in plain English
How we calculated it, step by step
The rule that applies where you work
The official source and when we last checked it

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Informational estimate, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Why?

This calculator uses the information you enter and publicly available government data. Real situations can involve employment contracts, company policy, collective bargaining agreements, and exceptions we can't see.

For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed employment attorney or your state labor department.

The short answer

US employment is mostly at-will, so there is no legal minimum notice period. Two weeks (14 calendar days) is the customary standard unless your contract says otherwise. Your last working day = resignation date + notice length.

For example, if you resign on June 1 and give 2 weeks' notice, your last working day is June 15.

This tool finds that last working day and writes a resignation letter you can copy and edit.

How do I calculate my notice period?

Enter the date you hand in notice, set the notice length (usually 14 days), and choose calendar or working days. In calendar mode, a last day that lands on a weekend moves back to the Friday before. Once you know your last day, check when your final paycheck is due.

What this calculator does and does not cover

The dates are plain calendar math: weekends are skipped, public holidays are not. The at-will note in each result comes from the US Department of Labor. Your contract, union agreement, or company policy can still set its own notice period, so check those first.

Last reviewed September 26, 2026.

Common questions

Is giving two weeks' notice legally required in the US?

Generally no. No federal law requires employees to give notice before quitting, and most US jobs are at-will. The "2 weeks notice" standard is professional courtesy, not a federal legal obligation. However, your employment contract, a union agreement, company policy, or state law may set its own rules. Your contract may specify a required notice period, and violating it could technically expose you to breach-of-contract liability (though this is rarely enforced).

Can my employer fire me during my notice period?

Yes. At-will employment works both ways — your employer can end your employment at any time, including during your notice period. If they terminate you early during your notice period, they may owe you wages for the full notice period depending on your state and contract. Some employers pay out the notice period ("garden leave") rather than having you work it.

Do I have to work my full notice period?

Not legally in most cases (at-will states). However, leaving before your notice period ends may: (1) forfeit any accrued PTO payout in states where it's not legally required, (2) affect your eligibility for COBRA or certain benefits, (3) influence a reference from your employer. Check your contract — if it specifies a notice period, leaving early could constitute breach of contract.

Can I use PTO during my notice period?

This varies by employer policy, not state law. Many employers allow it; some specifically prohibit using PTO to reduce your notice period. California courts have ruled that employers cannot force employees to work notice if they have PTO available, but this is unusual. Always check your employee handbook and ask HR directly.

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