Severance Calculator
Estimate a fair severance package in 10 countries. Based on statutory minimums and market benchmarks — not legal advice.
Estimated range
$15,923
≈ 9.2 weeks of base pay
Most people never see these numbers before signing. You just did.
Get the word-for-word severance scripts — $19 onceUnited States — statutory floor
No federal statutory severance. WARN Act requires 60 days notice for mass layoffs (100+ employees). Market norm: 1-2 weeks per year of service, capped at ~26 weeks for individual contributors and ~52+ weeks for executives.
Available in 8 languages via the language switcher (top-right). The English version is authoritative.
Levers to negotiate on top of cash
- →Extended COBRA / health-insurance premium coverage (3-6 months)
- →Accelerated equity vesting or extended exercise window (90 days → 12+ months)
- →Prorated annual bonus
- →Outplacement services (LinkedIn Premium, resume coaching)
- →Positive reference language in writing
- →Non-disparagement mutuality (they can't badmouth you either)
Your negotiation check
Most people accept the first number because they do not know what the range looks like. Here is what to open with, and where this usually lands.
Likely first offer
$7,962
The low end of the market range for your tenure and level.
Open with this
$31,846
Ask high and in writing. This is inside the normal range, not an outlier.
Realistic landing
$23,885
Where negotiated exits at your level usually settle.
Ask in this order
- The number first: request $31,846 before discussing anything else
- Extended COBRA / health-insurance premium coverage (3-6 months)
- Accelerated equity vesting or extended exercise window (90 days → 12+ months)
- A written positive reference and mutual non-disparagement
Before you sign anything
- ·Ask for the deadline in writing — a same-day signature is almost never required
- ·Check whether signing waives your right to unemployment support
- ·Look for non-compete or non-solicit clauses added at exit
- ·If the amount is significant, one hour with an employment lawyer usually pays for itself
Negotiation script (copy · paste · edit)
Hi [name],
Thank you for meeting yesterday. I've had time to review the separation
package and I'd like to discuss it before signing.
Based on 4 years of service at [Company], my role as SENIOR,
and typical market practice in United States for a Layoff of this nature,
I believe a fair package is closer to $15,923—$31,846,
plus:
• Extension of health coverage through [date]
• Extended COBRA / health-insurance premium coverage (3-6 months)
• Accelerated equity vesting or extended exercise window (90 days → 12+ months)
• Removal of any non-solicit language that would prevent me finding
equivalent work in the next 12 months
I'm not looking to make this difficult — I want to close this cleanly
and quickly. Can we align on this by [date + 5 business days]?
Best,
[Your name]This tool provides estimates only. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Before signing any separation agreement, consult a qualified employment lawyer in your jurisdiction. In the UK, EU, and Canada, employers commonly pay a legal-fee contribution so you can do exactly this.
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Severance pay: common questions
How is severance pay calculated?
Most packages are a number of weeks of pay per year worked. In the US, one to two weeks per year is common; many other countries set a legal minimum. The calculator above uses your country, tenure, salary and role level.
Can you negotiate a severance package?
Often, yes. You usually have days to review the agreement before signing. Ask calmly, in writing, and point to your tenure and results. The calculator gives you a ready script.
Is severance pay taxable?
In most countries severance is taxed as income, sometimes with special rules. Check with a local tax professional before you plan around the net amount.
Is this calculator private?
Yes. It runs in your browser. No account, and nothing you type is sent to us or to any employer.
Your inputs stay in your browser. Nothing on this page is sent to a server.