Legal

Statute of Limitations Calculator

Legal basis: State statutes of limitations (e.g., Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 335-343; N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 213); no single period applies nationwide · checked 2026-10-04 · Rates and limits change — verify the current figures.

A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum time after an event that a lawsuit may be filed. Once the period runs out, the claim is generally time-barred, meaning a court will dismiss it no matter how strong it is on the merits. The periods vary enormously by state and by claim type: for written contracts, many states allow somewhere between three and ten years; for oral contracts, often two to six; for personal injury, commonly two or three; and for property damage, debt collection and fraud, the ranges differ again. Because there is no single national answer, the limitation period in this calculator is a user input that you must verify against the law of the state where you would file.

The arithmetic itself is simple: the estimated filing deadline is the accrual date plus the limitation period you enter, plus any days of tolling. Accrual is the legal term for when the clock starts. For a breach of contract it is usually the date of the breach; for a personal injury it is usually the date of the accident. But many states apply the discovery rule, under which the clock does not start until the injured party discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury. That rule matters most for latent harm, hidden construction defects, exposure to toxic substances, and fraud, where the wrong may not surface for years. No date arithmetic can detect a discovery-rule start date, so the result here presumes the date you enter is correct.

The clock can also be paused or extended by tolling. Common examples include the plaintiff being a minor or legally incapacitated, the defendant being absent from the state, an automatic stay in bankruptcy, active military service in some circumstances, and written tolling agreements between the parties. Separately, some claims face statutes of repose, which set an absolute outer deadline that tolling usually cannot extend, and claims against government entities often require a notice of claim within a few months, far shorter than the limitation period itself.

Treat this tool as an educational estimate for planning only. The applicable law depends on your state, the claim type and the specific facts, and a wrong accrual date or an overlooked tolling rule can move a real deadline by years. Nothing here is legal advice. Before relying on any deadline, confirm the period and its start date with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Calculate

Estimated filing deadlineaccrual date plus the period you entered, plus tolling days2029-06-15

Days remainingas of 2026-10-04985 days

Statuspresumes accrual on the date entered and no other tollingAppears timely

Limitation period applieduser input — varies by state and claim type6.0 years

Claim typeperiods differ by claim type even within one stateWritten contract

Tolling adjustmentdays you entered as paused time+0 days

Days since accrualthe discovery rule can start the clock later than the event date1,207 days

How the math works

Estimated deadline = accrual date + limitation period (years) + tolling days.
Days remaining counts from the as-of date you choose (today by default).
The limitation period is an input because it varies by state and claim type; typical ranges are provided only as context.
The discovery rule, statutes of repose, government notice-of-claim periods and other tolling events are not automatically detected.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the limitation period a number I type instead of a preset?

Because there is no single national period. Written-contract claims might run three, five, six or ten years depending on the state, and personal injury is often two or three years. Making the period an input forces you to look up your state's statute rather than trusting a default that may be wrong.

What is the discovery rule?

A rule in many states that the limitations clock does not start until the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury. It is common in latent defect, exposure and fraud cases. If it applies to you, the start date may be later than the date the wrongful act occurred, which moves the deadline.

What is tolling?

Tolling pauses or extends the limitations clock. Typical grounds include the plaintiff being a minor or incapacitated, the defendant being out of state, a bankruptcy automatic stay, and written tolling agreements. Enter the paused days in the tool if you know them.

What is a statute of repose?

A statute that sets an absolute outer deadline for certain claims, often in construction or product liability cases. Unlike a limitations period, a repose period usually cannot be tolled, so a claim can be barred even if you discovered the harm recently.

Are deadlines against government entities different?

Yes, and usually much shorter. Many states require a notice of claim within 60 to 180 days of the incident before you may sue a city, county or state agency. Never apply an ordinary limitation period to a government claim without checking the notice requirement.

Does filing the lawsuit stop the clock?

Generally yes, if you file before the deadline and serve the defendant as the state's rules require. Merely sending a demand letter usually does not stop the clock. Check your state's rules on timely filing and service.

Can I rely on this calculator for an actual deadline?

No. It is an educational estimate that presumes the accrual date, period and tolling you entered are correct. The applicable law depends on your state and claim type. Confirm any real deadline with a licensed attorney.

This calculator is an educational estimate for planning purposes only. It is not legal advice, and limitation periods, accrual rules, tolling and repose deadlines vary by state and claim type and change over time. The applicable law depends on your jurisdiction and facts. Consult a licensed attorney before relying on any filing deadline.