Maternity Leave Calculator
Plan your maternity leave dates — start, last day off and return to work — from your due date and leave length.
How it works
leave start = due date − weeks taken before the birth · return date = start + leave length · last day off = return − 1 day
This counts plain calendar weeks from the start date you choose. It does not know your employer’s policy, your paid-versus-unpaid split, public holidays, or laws like the US FMLA — which provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees — so confirm your actual entitlement with HR or your state’s rules. Babies rarely arrive exactly on the due date, so re-check the dates once your baby is born.
Worked example
With an October 8 due date, starting 2 weeks early for 12 weeks total: leave begins September 24, your last day off is December 16, and you return to work on December 17.
Frequently asked questions
Does this account for FMLA or paid leave?
No — it’s a plain date calculator. US FMLA offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees, but paid leave, short-term disability and company policy vary widely. Confirm what you’re entitled to with HR or your state.
Should I count from the due date or the birth?
Many people plan from the due date and adjust when the baby arrives. If your leave legally starts at the birth, re-enter the real birth date once you know it.
Can I take some leave before the birth?
Sometimes — some people start a week or two before the due date. Use the “start before due date” field to model that; your employer’s policy and local law decide what’s actually allowed.
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Estimates based on standard formulas and average cycles — every pregnancy is different. This is not medical advice; your doctor or midwife, with an ultrasound, gives the accurate dates and guidance.