How to use the civil statute of limitations calculator
Every civil claim has a filing deadline. Enter the date the claim accrued and pick the claim type, and this tool shows the period applied, the resulting filing deadline and how much time is left.
Legal basis — Unlike Korea, where the Civil Act sets nationwide periods, civil limitations periods in the United States are state law. Common ranges are four to six years for a written contract, two to four years for an oral contract, two to three years for personal injury, and three to six years for fraud or property damage. Federal claims have their own periods, such as the catch-all four years in 28 U.S.C. 1658 for civil actions arising under federal statutes enacted after 1990, and two years for FLSA wage claims under 29 U.S.C. 255(a), extended to three years for willful violations. Figures reflect law as of September 2026.
The presets above deliberately use the shorter end of each range so the result errs on the safe side. Many states also apply a discovery rule that delays accrual until the harm was or should have been found, and tolling can pause the clock while a claimant is a minor or a defendant is out of state.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation before a deadline passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Each state sets its own periods, so a written contract claim can be four years in one state and six in another. The presets here use the shorter end of the common range so the result is conservative, and the custom field lets you enter your own state figure.
Usually on the date the claim accrued, such as the date of breach or injury. Many states apply a discovery rule that starts the clock when the harm was or should have been discovered, and tolling can apply for minors or absent defendants.