# Per diem calculator

Source: https://www.barespend.com/free-tools/per-diem-calculator/
Last updated: 2026-10-27

Look up your destination’s lodging rate and M&IE tier on the GSA per diem site, then enter them here with the length of the trip. The calculator pays full M&IE for middle days and 75 percent on the first and last day, and shows the breakfast, lunch, dinner and incidentals split.

This is a free tool that runs in the browser; open the page to use it. Nothing a visitor types is sent to Barespend.

These are federal GSA rates for the continental US. Private businesses often use them as a benchmark, but they are not required, and other policies are fine.

Per diem rates change every federal fiscal year (starting 1 October) and by location. Look up the current rate for your destination on the GSA site rather than relying on a default.

## GSA meals and incidental expenses tiers (continental US)

| Daily M&IE | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Incidentals | First and last day (75%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $68 | $16 | $19 | $28 | $5 | $51.00 |
| $74 | $18 | $20 | $31 | $5 | $55.50 |
| $80 | $20 | $22 | $33 | $5 | $60.00 |
| $86 | $22 | $23 | $36 | $5 | $64.50 |
| $92 | $23 | $26 | $38 | $5 | $69.00 |

Source: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdown. Reviewed 2026-10-27.

## Common questions

### What does M&IE mean?

Meals and incidental expenses. It is the daily allowance for meals plus a small amount for tips and incidentals, separate from lodging.

### Why is the first and last day 75 percent?

Federal travel rules pay 75 percent of the M&IE rate on the days you leave and return, because those are partial days of travel.

### Where do I find the rate for my city?

Use the lookup on the GSA per diem rates page, which lets you search by city, state or ZIP code and gives both the lodging rate and the M&IE amount.

### Does Barespend track per diem?

Yes. Mileage and per diem tracking are included on every Barespend plan.