Calculators
GSA Per Diem Calculator
Calculate US federal travel per diem from lodging and M&IE rates, with 75% meals on the first and last travel days.
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The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
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What people use it for
- Federal travel budgeting
- Contractor travel cost estimates
- Expense reports
- Companies using GSA rates as policy
About this tool
What the GSA Per Diem Calculator does
US federal travellers are reimbursed actual lodging up to the GSA lodging rate and a fixed meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) rate per day. On the first and last day of travel, M&IE is paid at 75%. Enter the rates for your destination from the GSA per diem tool.
Formula
- Lodging = min(actual, GSA rate) × nights
- M&IE = rate × full days + 75% × rate on first and last days − provided meals
- Travel days = nights + 1
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Lodging rate per night | $182 |
| Actual lodging cost per night | $175 |
| M&IE rate per day | $74.00 |
| Nights | 3 |
| Meals provided (deduct) | $0.00 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Total reimbursement | $784.00 |
| Meals and incidentals | $259.00 |
| Lodging reimbursed | $525.00 |
| Travel days | 4 |
| Maximum at full lodging rate | $805.00 |
How to read the result
Lodging taxes are reimbursed separately and are not limited by the lodging rate.
Deduct meals provided at conferences or by the government using the GSA meal breakdown.
Estimates only. Official rates and rules change; confirm figures with the relevant agency before relying on them.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
A daily allowance for lodging, meals and incidental expenses on official travel.
Federal rules pay 75% of M&IE on the first and last day of travel.
On the GSA per diem website, by location and month.
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