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Government & NGOs tool

Per Diem Compliance Calculator

Compare travel lodging and meal expenses with user-entered per-diem limits, including partial-day meal factors and excess amounts.

Check travel expenses against per-diem limits

Enter the policy rates that apply to your trip and compare them with actual lodging and meal expenses.

Lodging allowance—
M&IE allowance—
Total allowance—
Amount above limits—

How the per-diem compliance calculator works

Lodging allowance equals eligible nights multiplied by the lodging limit. Meal and incidental allowance equals full days at the full rate plus partial travel days at the percentage you enter.

Why the rates are editable

Per-diem rates and travel rules vary by government, donor, employer, destination and date. A fixed global table would quickly become inaccurate. Enter the rate and partial-day rule from the policy or award that governs your trip.

Actual cost versus reimbursable cost

Some policies reimburse actual cost up to a ceiling; others pay a fixed allowance. Taxes, conference lodging exceptions, provided meals and incidentals can also be treated differently. Use the “actual” fields only on the basis relevant to your policy.

Compliance limitation

This tool compares arithmetic totals and does not decide legal or grant allowability. Keep receipts, approvals and travel documentation required by the applicable rules.

Separate arithmetic from travel-policy compliance

Per diem rules can vary by funding source, destination, travel day, meal provision, lodging documentation and employee/contractor status. The calculator compares claimed amounts with the limits and partial-day factor you enter, but it does not determine which official rate applies. Keep the rate table or policy version with the expense record, note any provided meals or exceptions, and use the governing organization's rounding and currency rules for reimbursement approval.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tool contain official government per-diem rates?
No. Rates vary by jurisdiction, destination and date, so you enter the rate that applies to your trip.
What is the partial-day factor?
It is the percentage of the full meal/incidental allowance permitted for a partial travel day under the policy you are following.
Does being under the limit guarantee an expense is allowable?
No. Eligibility can also depend on purpose, approvals, receipts, taxes, provided meals and other policy conditions.
Can I use this for a donor-funded project?
Yes for arithmetic comparison, provided you enter the donor-approved rates and rules. The tool itself does not determine grant compliance.