PCS move planning All-service

Military PCS Calculator

Project the first 90 days of a PCS so you can see whether the move creates a near-term cash squeeze.

Best used when you need to plan the first few months of a move, not just recurring monthly pay.

Current military paygrade.

Completed years in service used for the base-pay row.

Select whether this scenario is with dependents or without dependents.

Primary duty-station ZIP used for BAH.

Estimated total out-of-pocket moving costs before entitlements are applied.

Official distance used for MALT reimbursement calculations.

Number of authorized POVs used for MALT reimbursement.

Choose Yes for a Personally Procured Move (PPM) so the incentive is included.

Select CONUS for moves within the 48 contiguous states and D.C. Select OCONUS for moves to/from Alaska, Hawaii, or overseas duty stations.

Advanced assumptions (optional)
Special pay (monthly)

Optional monthly special/incentive pay to add to compensation.

Estimated deduction rate

Estimated share of gross pay withheld for taxes and deductions.

Cost-of-living factor

Local cost proxy where 1.00 is baseline; higher values mean higher costs.

Monthly cost change rate

Expected monthly increase/decrease applied across timeline months.

Complete required fields, then select Calculate.

Estimate confidence: PENDING INPUT

Data as of 2026-01-01

Included in estimate

  • Base pay (paygrade + years of service)
  • BAS
  • BAH (ZIP + dependent status)
  • PCS entitlement offsets (DLA, MALT, and PPM incentive when selected)
  • Assumed move profile (distance, authorized POV count, and move cost estimate)

Not included

  • Service-specific incentive pays not entered (for example sea pay or flight pay)
  • Future pay-table or allowance updates after the data date
  • Personal tax credits/deductions beyond the selected deduction assumption

What this tool is for

Use this page to pressure-test a move budget. It combines baseline pay with common PCS offsets and your own move-cost estimate so you can see whether the first quarter stays manageable.

Worked example

Example: a household planning a CONUS move can enter miles, authorized POVs, a move-cost estimate, and whether the move is a PPM to see if the first three months stay positive or tight.

When to use it

Use it when a move is close enough that mileage, DLA, and upfront costs matter. It is especially helpful when you need to understand timing, not just a steady-state monthly number.

When not to use it

Do not use it as a reimbursement quote, travel voucher estimate, or orders substitute. Real payment depends on orders, receipts, and how finance processes the move.

What the result means

The timeline total shows the modeled 90-day outcome after the PCS offsets and move-cost assumptions on the page. Read it as a cashflow stress test, not as a promise of what finance will pay.

Official sources used

Direct links to the official pages this tool relies on.

Site assumptions

  • Models a 90-day window rather than the full move lifecycle.
  • Uses your entered move-cost estimate and the published rates linked below.
  • Treats PPM and mileage choices as planning toggles, not as claim approvals.

What is included

  • Baseline monthly pay and allowances used by the scenario
  • Published PCS offsets such as DLA and mileage inputs
  • Optional PPM treatment
  • User-entered one-time move costs

What is not included

  • Lodging receipts or finance-office claim adjudication
  • Every local entitlement nuance in the JTR
  • Travel timing changes after orders change
  • Any guarantee of reimbursement

Verify with

  • Your orders and gaining command instructions
  • The linked JTR and DTMO change notices
  • Your transportation office and finance office before spending against the estimate

Frequently asked questions

Is this an official government site?

No. This is an independent planning utility, not an official U.S. Government website. Do not submit CUI, ITAR, classified, or sensitive personal information. Always verify estimates with official sources before making financial decisions.

How accurate are these estimates?

These are planning estimates based on official DFAS, DoD, and service-specific sources. Actual pay may vary based on your specific situation, special pays, tax withholdings, and other factors. Use these tools for planning purposes and verify with your finance office.

When was this data last updated?

Check the source and assumptions sections on this page for the current effective date used by the site. If the linked official pages have changed since then, use the official pages first.

Does the PCS total guarantee reimbursement?

No. It is a planning estimate built from published PCS entitlements and the move-profile inputs on the page. Real reimbursement depends on orders, receipts, and finance processing.

This estimate uses simplified planning assumptions. Review the linked methodology and official source pages before making financial decisions. Spotted an error or have a suggestion? Send a note.