Workdays Calculator
Count working days between two dates, excluding weekends and an optional number of holidays. Includes how to treat the end date and a September 2026 example.
Results
Workdays
- Calendar days (inclusive)
- 30
- Weekend days
- 8
- Holidays excluded
- 0
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Educational estimates · not financial advice · free, no signup
Formula / how it works
Workdays = weekdays (Monday–Friday) from the start date to the end date inclusive, minus the holiday days you enter. Calendar days (inclusive) = end − start + 1.
Detailed guide
What it is, how to use it, how to read the numbers, common mistakes, a worked example, formulas, and FAQs.
What this calculator is
Project plans, delivery estimates and payroll periods run on working days, not calendar days. This calculator counts the weekdays between two dates, treating Saturday and Sunday as non-working, and subtracts a number of holidays you provide. The count includes both the start and end dates. It does not know which public holidays apply to you, so enter the number of holiday weekdays that fall in the range. Some regions work different weekends, and some employers have different schedules, which this tool does not model.
When to use / who it helps
- You need the number of working days for a project or invoice.
- You are estimating a delivery date counted in business days.
- You want to compare calendar days with working days.
- You are calculating leave or notice periods.
- You are checking a payroll period.
How to use
Steps
- Enter the start date.
- Enter the end date.
- Enter the number of holiday days that fall on weekdays in that range.
- Read the workday count.
- Read the calendar days and weekend days for context.
- Adjust the end date by one to see inclusive and exclusive effects.
How to interpret results
- Both start and end dates are included in the count.
- Weekend days are excluded automatically.
- Holidays you enter are removed from the weekday total.
- A month has about 21 to 23 workdays depending on how weekends fall.
- Check the institution's rule, since some deadlines count from the following day.
Common mistakes & gotchas
- Counting holidays that fall on weekends and subtracting them twice.
- Forgetting that the end date is included.
- Assuming a Saturday–Sunday weekend everywhere.
- Forgetting regional or company holidays.
- Using workdays for a legal deadline that is counted in calendar days.
Worked example
Worked example — 1 to 30 September 2026
- Calendar days from 1 to 30 September inclusive: 30.
- Weekend days: 5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27 = 8 days.
- Weekdays: 30 − 8 = 22 workdays.
- If Labor Day on Monday 7 September is a holiday in your region, enter 1 holiday to get 21 workdays.
Result: 22 workdays, or 21 with one holiday removed.
To load the form's own demo values, tap Try example above the Calculate button.
How to calculate / formula
Workdays = weekdays (Monday–Friday) from the start date to the end date inclusive, minus the holiday days you enter. Calendar days (inclusive) = end − start + 1.
Frequently asked questions
Does the count include the start and end dates?
Yes, both are included if they are weekdays.
How do I handle public holidays?
Count how many fall on weekdays in the range and enter that number.
Can I change which days are weekends?
No. The tool treats Saturday and Sunday as the weekend.
How many workdays are in a year?
Usually 260 or 261 weekdays before holidays.
What is the difference between workdays and business days?
They are used interchangeably, though some contexts exclude additional days.
Can I count only from tomorrow?
Set the start date to the following day.