Free calculator for all branches: Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force. Estimate PPM/DITY incentive, DLA, TLE, per diem and mileage from your orders, using 2026 JTR rates. No sign-up required.
Rates last verified August 2026 against the published source tables.
No orders, no entitlement. Every figure on this page is authorized by a set of PCS orders. A move you make for your own reasons — following a spouse's job, moving off post, moving between quarters on the same installation with no change of duty station — is a move you pay for. The orders are the entitlement; the calculator prices what they authorize.
A government move earns no incentive. The PPM incentive is paid for doing the work yourself. Choosing a government move is a perfectly good decision and often the right one, but it pays no incentive at all — the comparison on this page exists so the choice is made on the numbers rather than by default.
Going over the allowance runs the other way. Past your weight allowance the government does not pay less, it bills you: the excess is prorated on the cost of the whole shipment and recovered from your pay. It is the one line on this page that can be negative, and it is why the weight is worth estimating before pack-out rather than after.
The voucher is DD 1351-2. Everything travel-related settles on one form: DD 1351-2, the travel voucher, filed with your finance office with a copy of your orders. DLA, MALT and per diem are all claimed on it. Nobody files it for you and nobody chases it — the payment follows the claim, and the claim follows you.
A PPM needs a packet, not a form. On top of the voucher: DD 2278 from your counselling session, certified empty and full weight tickets for every vehicle and every truck you used, and receipts for the rental, fuel, tolls and the weighing itself. A truck weighed only once, or weighed at an uncertified scale, is a truck whose incentive cannot be computed — which is the most common reason a settlement stalls.
An advance you do not settle comes back out of your pay. If you drew an advance operating allowance and the settlement packet is not filed, it is recouped. Most transportation offices apply a turn-in window of 45 days from the date the move is complete; that is Service guidance rather than a JTR or DTR deadline, so confirm the exact window with your own office — and file as soon as the move is done rather than testing it.
The incentive is taxable, and the withholding comes off first. Federal supplemental withholding is taken before the money reaches you, so the figure that lands is smaller than the incentive quoted here. Documented moving expenses reduce the liability at filing time — the IRS Form 3903 shape — which is why the receipts are worth keeping after the voucher is settled.
A PCS (Permanent Change of Station) calculator helps military members from all branches estimate moving costs and potential reimbursements. This calculator works for Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force service members who are relocating to a new duty station. It calculates PPM (Personally Procured Move) costs, DITY move estimates, weight allowances, and compares different move options.
The PCS calculator (for all military branch calculators) uses your pay grade, years of service, dependent status, and move distance to calculate entitlements. For military personnel, it estimates weight allowances based on JTR regulations, calculates MALT (Monetary Allowance In Lieu of Transportation), DLA (Dislocation Allowance), per diem rates, and PPM reimbursement amounts. Simply enter your rank (E-1 through O-6), duty stations, and household goods weight to get an accurate estimate for your PCS move.
Full PPM (Personally Procured Move): You handle the entire move yourself. You pack, load, transport, and unload everything. The military reimburses you up to 100% of what they would have paid movers. You can potentially save $2,000-$8,000 by doing it efficiently. Partial PPM: A hybrid approach where the military moves some of your belongings (usually large furniture) and you move the rest yourself. This allows you to earn PPM reimbursement on a portion while avoiding the hassle of moving everything. Great for maximizing savings while reducing workload. Government Move (Full PCS): The military arranges and pays for professional movers to pack, transport, and deliver your belongings. You don't earn PPM incentive payments, but you also don't do any of the work. Best for those with heavy or delicate items, or who prefer a hands-off approach.
PCS weight allowances for 2026 are based on your rank and whether you have dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents gets 9,000 lbs while an E-5 without dependents gets 7,000 lbs. Officers get higher allowances: an O-3 with dependents receives 14,500 lbs. Use our calculator above by selecting your rank and entering your dependent information to see your specific 2026 weight allowance. View the complete weight allowance table for all ranks E-1 through O-6. The calculator automatically applies the latest JTR (Joint Travel Regulations) standards for all branches including Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Yes! This PCS calculator works for all military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. All branches follow the same Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for weight allowances, MALT rates, DLA, and per diem. Whether you're an Army soldier PCSing from Fort Bragg, an Air Force airman moving from Nellis AFB, a Marine transferring from Camp Pendleton, or a Coast Guard member relocating to a new station, this calculator provides accurate estimates using the same DoD regulations that apply to all service members.
A DITY/PPM calculation includes: Government Constructive Cost (what military would pay movers), PPM reimbursement (typically 100% of constructive cost as of 2026), MALT (Monetary Allowance) for vehicle travel - $0.235 per mile, DLA (Dislocation Allowance) based on rank and whether your dependents relocate, Per diem for authorized travel days, Estimated expenses: moving truck rental, fuel, tolls, Net profit/savings after expenses. Our calculator compares all three move types so you can see which option saves you the most money for your specific situation. Check our resources page for official DoD links and JTR guidelines.
Our 2026 PCS calculator uses official Department of Defense rates from the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Weight allowances, MALT rates, DLA amounts, and per diem rates are all current as of 2026. Cost estimates for moving truck rentals, fuel prices, and supplies are based on current market rates. While the calculator provides highly accurate budgeting estimates, always confirm final entitlements with your base Transportation Office or TMO (Traffic Management Office) before making your move. Actual reimbursements may vary based on documentation and specific circumstances.
Generally, a full PPM (Personally Procured Move) saves the most money if you can move efficiently. Most service members save between $2,000-$8,000 on a PPM move compared to a government move. A Partial PPM is the middle ground, letting you earn some PPM reimbursement while reducing workload. A full Government Move costs you nothing but you miss out on the PPM profit opportunity. Use our calculator above to compare all three options based on your specific move distance, weight, and rank. The calculator shows estimated costs and savings for each type so you can make an informed decision.
Yes! The calculator supports 4 move scenarios with accurate JTR 2026 regulations: Standard PCS: Full weight allowances, and DLA at the with-dependents rate when your dependents relocate with you. If they stay behind you are paid the without-dependents rate now and claim the difference when they later join you and travel at government expense (JTR 050503-B) — deferred, not forfeited., First Duty Station: $0 DLA for single members, FULL with-dependent DLA if dependents relocate per JTR 050501/050509. Calculator uses standard PCS weight allowances. Weight entitlements may vary by service branch—verify with your Transportation Office., Separation: NO DLA (final move to home of selection per JTR 050509). You still receive HHG shipment, MALT, and per diem. Full weight allowances apply., Retirement: NO DLA (final move to home of selection per JTR 050509). You still receive HHG shipment, MALT, and per diem. Full weight allowances apply.. Each scenario calculates costs accurately based on your specific entitlements. The calculator will automatically adjust DLA rates and weight allowances when you select your move scenario in the form above.