How the calculation works
The tool converts both dates to calendar days and subtracts them. By default it counts the days that pass between the two dates, so Monday to Tuesday is 1 day. If you tick "Include the end date", both the first and last days are counted, so Monday to Tuesday becomes 2 days. Some contracts, leave applications and hotel bookings count this way, so check which rule applies to you.
Business days
Business days here mean Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are skipped. Public holidays are not removed because they differ by country, region and employer. To get a working-day total for your location, subtract the holidays that fall inside your range.
Worked example
From 1 January 2026 to 1 March 2026 is 59 days. That is 8 weeks and 3 days, or 2 months and 0 days. Of those days, 42 are business days and 17 fall on a weekend.
When this is useful
- Counting down to an exam, event, wedding or holiday.
- Working out notice periods, deadlines or delivery times.
- Checking how long ago something happened.
- Planning project schedules.
Frequently asked questions
What if my start date is after my end date?
The tool swaps them for you and tells you it did so.
Does it handle leap years?
Yes. February 29 is counted correctly in leap years.