ActivePayOS

PCS Move Calculator

Estimate major PCS cash-flow pieces like DLA, mileage, per diem, TLE, and your likely PPM picture.

2026 DLA + PCS mileagePlanning tool, not settlement

Inputs

Use this to build a realistic PCS estimate. If your transportation office gave you a PPM estimate, use that instead of guessing.

Use official distance when possible, not just Google Maps.

Leave at 0 to auto-calculate. Driving defaults to 400 miles on day one, then 350 miles per additional day.

TLE estimate

Standard CONUS TLE is capped at 21 days and $290/day in the normal case.

PPM / partial PPM inputs

Best practice: use the estimate from your transportation office, DPS, or DD2278.

Results

Use this as a planning view, not your final settlement estimate.

Primary DLA
$2,273.82
Based on 2026 primary DLA rates for grade + dependency status
Travel Days Used
4
Auto: 4 days
PCS Mileage (MALT)
$246.00
$0.21/mile equivalent per authorized POV
Member Per Diem
$712.00
$178.00 per day x 4 days
Dependent Per Diem
$0.00
75% for each dependent 12+, 50% for each dependent under 12
TLE Estimate
$1,400.00
7 eligible days x $200.00
Estimated PPM Incentive
$6,000.00
Enter the number your move counselor / paperwork gives you
Entered Move Costs
$2,750.00
Truck + fuel + supplies + other costs
PPM Net After Your Costs
$3,250.00

This isolates the PPM piece only. Your total PCS picture below also adds DLA, mileage, per diem, and TLE.

Move cost breakdown
Truck / trailer / rental$1,800.00
Fuel$500.00
Packing supplies$250.00
Other move costs$200.00
Estimated total PCS picture
$10,631.82

DLA + mileage + per diem + TLE + entered PPM estimate

Net after entered move costs
$7,881.82
Quick read
Strong PCS cash picture

On these assumptions, your estimated PCS entitlements are meaningfully above your entered out-of-pocket moving costs.

Important disclaimer

This calculator is for education and planning only. It will not perfectly match your final PCS settlement. Actual entitlements depend on your orders, official distance, transportation counseling, receipts, lodging details, TLE/TLA eligibility, travel method, authorized vehicles, dependent travel circumstances, and finance office processing. Use this to get oriented, then verify the real numbers with your transportation office, finance office, DFAS, and the JTR.

What to sanity-check before you rely on this
  • Use official mileage, not just Google Maps.
  • Use your actual DD2278 / counseling estimate for PPM if available.
  • Do not assume all TLE days will reimburse at the same amount.
  • If your dependents travel separately, per diem can work differently.
  • Keep receipts and pressure-test the numbers with finance before committing cash.

Official links