Step-by-step walkthrough
Use this companion guide beside the interactive calculator to make sure you understand the “why” behind every click. Each section includes the classroom explanation, student-friendly language, and quick practice prompts.
Collect the data points listed below and double-check their units. Keeping an organized “givens” list is one of the fastest ways to reduce math errors and impress exam graders.
Step 1
Enter annual salary and total years of service (partial years, like 4.5, are fine).
Step 2
Enter the weeks-of-pay-per-year rate from your company's severance policy or employment contract — 1-2 weeks per year is common.
Step 3
Enter any plan minimum (a guaranteed floor regardless of tenure) if your policy has one.
In most of the US, no — severance is typically discretionary unless promised in a contract, employee handbook, or required by a mass-layoff law like the WARN Act. Requirements vary significantly outside the US, so check local labor law.
No — this calculates base severance only from salary and tenure. Unused vacation payout, pro-rated bonuses, and continued benefits are usually calculated separately and vary by company policy.
