PCS Entitlements Calculator
Calculating your PCS entitlements…
PCS Entitlements Summary
Total Estimated PCS Entitlements
Important Notes
These calculations are estimates based on typical military regulations as of 2025 and may vary by branch and situation.
When it comes to relocating due to military orders, knowing what you’re entitled to financially can help you plan effectively and avoid costly surprises. The PCS Entitlements Calculator is a powerful, easy-to-use tool designed to help service members estimate their relocation allowances based on key factors such as rank, years of service, dependents, and move type.
Whether you’re PCSing from CONUS to OCONUS or between domestic stations, this calculator ensures you have a reliable estimate of your benefits. Below, we dive deep into how to use the tool, what it calculates, and how it can benefit you.
✅ What Is the PCS Entitlements Calculator?
The PCS Entitlements Calculator is a digital tool built to estimate your military relocation allowances for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). It calculates your entitlements such as:
- Household Goods (HHG) reimbursement
- Mileage Allowance (MALT)
- Per Diem for travel
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)
- Weight allowance for household goods
- Total entitlement estimate
Updated with 2025 military rates, this tool gives you a near-accurate projection of what you can expect to receive or claim.
🛠️ How to Use the PCS Entitlements Calculator (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to calculate your PCS benefits:
- Select Your Rank/Grade
Choose your current military rank (e.g., E-4, O-2) from the dropdown. - Enter Years of Service
Input how many years you’ve served in the military. - Select Number of Dependents
Choose from: 0, 1, 2, or 3+. - Choose Move Type
Select the kind of move:- CONUS to CONUS
- CONUS to OCONUS
- OCONUS to CONUS
- OCONUS to OCONUS
- Input Weight of Household Goods (in lbs)
Provide the estimated weight of your shipment. - Input Distance of the Move (in miles)
Enter the estimated distance you’re traveling. - Select DLA Claim Status
Indicate whether you’re claiming a Dislocation Allowance. - Click “Calculate”
Hit the “Calculate” button to get your results. - View Your Results
A breakdown will display showing individual entitlements and the total estimate. - Optional Actions
You can copy or share your results for record-keeping or planning.
📌 Practical Example
Scenario:
A married E-5 with 6 years of service is moving from Fort Campbell (CONUS) to Ramstein Air Base (OCONUS), shipping 7,500 lbs of household goods across 4,500 miles and claiming DLA.
Inputs:
- Rank: E-5
- Years of Service: 6
- Dependents: 1
- Move Type: CONUS to OCONUS
- HHG Weight: 7,500 lbs
- Distance: 4,500 miles
- DLA Claimed: Yes
Estimated Results:
- Weight Allowance: 9,000 lbs
- HHG Reimbursement: $7,725
- MALT: $990
- Per Diem: $1,080
- DLA: $2,800
- Total Entitlement: $12,595
🎯 Features and Benefits
- Modern Interface: User-friendly design that’s mobile-responsive.
- Accurate Calculations: Based on 2025 PCS rates, per diem, DLA, and MALT.
- Fast Results: Real-time calculations with animated progress bar.
- Detailed Breakdown: Understand every aspect of your entitlement.
- Notes and Warnings: Alerts if your HHG weight exceeds allowance.
- Copy/Share Options: Easily keep or send your result to others.
- Stress-Free Planning: Know in advance what financial support you’ll get.
📋 Common Use Cases
- Planning your PCS budget
- Preparing paperwork for move reimbursements
- Checking entitlement changes between ranks
- Comparing move options (OCONUS vs. CONUS)
- Helping family members understand benefits
💡 Pro Tips
- Always input realistic weight and distance values for accuracy.
- If unsure about your dependents’ status, check with your HR/finance office.
- Use this tool before AND after you receive orders to manage expectations.
- Keep screenshots of results when preparing paperwork.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a PCS Entitlement?
A PCS entitlement is the financial compensation and support provided by the military when a service member is ordered to relocate.
2. Who can use the PCS calculator?
Active duty military members, their families, and finance officers can all benefit from using it.
3. Does this tool work for OCONUS moves?
Yes, it supports all types of PCS moves including OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.).
4. Is this calculator official?
No, it’s an estimate based on official rates. Always verify with your branch’s finance office.
5. How accurate are the calculations?
Highly accurate for estimation purposes, based on 2025 standard rates.
6. What is DLA?
DLA stands for Dislocation Allowance — a one-time payment to offset moving costs.
7. How is per diem calculated?
It includes the member’s daily rate and half-rate per dependent over calculated travel days.
8. What if my HHG weight exceeds the allowance?
You may have to pay the difference out of pocket. The tool alerts you if this applies.
9. Can I save or share my results?
Yes, you can copy the results or share them with others using provided buttons.
10. Does the tool require any login?
No login or sign-up is needed. It’s fully accessible online.
11. Is there a mobile version?
Yes, it is mobile-responsive and works smoothly on phones and tablets.
12. What is MALT?
Mileage Allowance in Lieu of Transportation — reimburses you per mile moved by POV.
13. How often are the rates updated?
This tool is updated annually in line with new military pay charts and rates.
14. Can reservists or National Guard use this?
Yes, if they’re on PCS orders.
15. Do I include all dependents?
Yes, include all command-sponsored dependents who will travel with you.
16. How are travel days estimated?
Roughly one day per 350 miles traveled, minimum of one day.
17. Is the HHG rate per pound realistic?
It’s based on average government reimbursement rates for 2025.
18. What’s the max HHG weight I can enter?
You can input up to 40,000 lbs, though most ranks have lower allowances.
19. Do I get paid upfront?
Some entitlements like DLA may be available in advance; check with finance.
20. Can I use this for planning a personally procured move (PPM)?
Yes, it helps estimate potential reimbursements for PPMs as well.
🚀 Final Thoughts
The PCS Entitlements Calculator is an essential tool for service members planning a move. Whether you’re just curious or knee-deep in planning, this calculator offers quick, transparent, and helpful financial insights to ease your transition. Use it early in your PCS process and revisit it as your situation evolves.
For more clarity or assistance, always consult your installation’s Transportation or Finance Office. But until then, let this calculator be your first step to a well-prepared, cost-effective move.