How it’s calculated
Both dates are converted to a day count on the Gregorian calendar and subtracted. By default the end date is not counted (1 Jan to 2 Jan is 1 day); choose "include the end date" to count both ends.
Example: 1 January 2026 (a Thursday) to 31 December 2026 is 364 days, or 365 counting both ends. The 365-day year 2026 has 52 full weeks plus one extra Thursday, so it holds 52 × 5 + 1 = 261 weekdays; excluding 31 December (a Thursday) leaves 260 business days.
Public holidays vary by country and employer, so they are not removed. Subtract them yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Should I include the end date?
For durations such as nights in a hotel or a loan period, don't include it. For counting calendar days of an event (e.g. a 3-day festival from Friday to Sunday), include it.
Are holidays excluded from business days?
No, only Saturdays and Sundays. Holidays differ between countries, states and employers.
Does it handle leap years?
Yes. February 29 is counted in leap years (divisible by 4, except centuries not divisible by 400).
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Sources
- Introduction to Calendars — U.S. Naval Observatory
- Julian Date Converter — U.S. Naval Observatory
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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