How to use the Business Days Calculator
- Enter the start date and the end date.
- Choose whether the end date counts.
- Enter the number of public holidays that fall on weekdays in the range, if any.
- Read the business days, calendar days and weekend days.
Formula used
Business days = calendar days counted − Saturdays and Sundays − holidays you enter. Both dates are counted unless you choose otherwise.
Worked example
Here is the Business Days Calculator worked through with the example values shown above, so you can check each step by hand.
| Inputs | |
|---|---|
| Start date | 2026-11-02 |
| End date | 2026-11-30 |
| Count the end date? | Yes, include both dates |
| Holidays on weekdays to exclude | 0 |
| Result | |
| Business days | 21 |
| Calendar days counted | 29 |
| Weekend days | 8 |
| Business weeks (5 days) | 4.2 weeks |
How the count works
From Monday 2 November 2026 to Monday 30 November 2026, both included, there are 29 calendar days. 8 of them fall on weekends, leaving 21 business days, about 4.2 weeks. If the end date is not counted, the answer is 20 business days.
With one weekday public holiday in the period, the count drops to 20. Over the full year 2026 there are 261 weekdays before holidays.
Inclusive or exclusive counting
Whether the first or last day counts depends on the context. A contract might say "within 10 business days of the order", which usually means starting the day after. Legal and financial rules often define this precisely, so check the wording.
This calculator counts both dates by default, like the NETWORKDAYS function in spreadsheets. Choose "No" to stop on the day before the end date. To exclude the start date as well, move the start date forward a day.
Holidays and different weekends
Public holidays vary by country, region, religion and year, so the calculator does not guess them. Count the holidays that fall on Monday to Friday in your range and enter the number. A holiday on a weekend does not reduce the count.
The calculator assumes a Saturday and Sunday weekend. Some countries use Friday and Saturday or other patterns, and some businesses work six days a week, so adjust the result if that applies to you.
Common uses
Business days are used to estimate delivery and shipping times, bank transfers and cheque clearing, invoice due dates, notice periods in contracts, project schedules and response times. A rough rule is that 10 business days is two calendar weeks.
To find the date a number of business days away, rather than the number between two dates, use the add days to date calculator and then adjust for weekends and holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a business day?
Normally Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Some contexts use different definitions.
Does it exclude public holidays automatically?
No. Enter the number of weekday holidays in your range to subtract them.
Is the start date included?
Yes, the start and end dates are both counted unless you choose to exclude the end date.
How many business days are in a year?
Around 260 weekdays, 261 in 2026 before holidays.
What if my weekend is Friday and Saturday?
This calculator uses a Saturday and Sunday weekend, so it will not match. Adjust by hand for other schedules.
Is it the same as the NETWORKDAYS function?
It follows the same idea: weekdays between two dates, both ends included, minus holidays.
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Actual figures from a bank, employer, tax authority or doctor may differ. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.