Definition guide
What are business days between dates
Business days between dates are the working days left after you remove your weekend pattern and any public or company holidays you exclude. It is the practical, day-to-day view: the workdays that match your schedule. This quick guide covers what counts, how patterns vary, and three simple examples before you open the business day calculator.
Published: December 28, 2025 · Updated: December 28, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only; not legal or financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- Read the Privacy Policy; do not share personal data.
Quick answer: business days between dates
- A business day is a working day, often Monday to Friday.
- Weekend patterns can vary by country and industry.
- Holidays may be excluded depending on the rule set.
Definition and common variations
Business days between dates are the workdays you keep inside a range. Most teams treat them as Monday to Friday, but industries with split shifts or different regions may count Saturday or drop Friday. Always set the weekend pattern and holiday list that matches your policy so your workdays between dates reflect reality and exclude weekends and holidays correctly.
Three simple examples
Example A: Exclude both
Range: Mon to Fri, weekend Sat–Sun, exclude both edges.
Result: 3 business days.
Example B: Include both
Same range, include start and end.
Result: 5 business days.
Example C: Holiday excluded
Include both, with a holiday on Wednesday.
Result: 4 business days.
Why people count workdays between dates
Teams track workdays between dates for payroll cut-offs, shipping windows, SLA clocks, onboarding timelines, and project milestones. Clear definitions reduce disputes and avoid off-by-one mistakes when deadlines fall near weekends or holidays.
How to calculate quickly in the tool
- Open the business day calculator.
- Select start and end dates.
- Set the weekend pattern and choose holiday presets or custom dates.
- Pick the inclusion mode (exclude or include edges).
- Review the business day counter and breakdown, then share the assumptions.
Try it now: business day calculator.
FAQ
What is a business day?
A working day that remains after you exclude your weekend pattern and any holidays you remove.
Are Saturdays business days?
Usually no. They are excluded unless you set a pattern that counts Saturday.
Do public holidays count toward business days?
Only if you include them. Most teams exclude holidays using presets or custom dates.
Why do totals differ by country?
Weekend patterns and public holidays differ, so workday counts change by region and employer.
What does include start date mean?
It counts the start date if it is kept; exclude start removes it from the total.
Why did my number change?
Changing inclusion mode, weekend pattern, holiday year, or custom holidays changes the result.
Is this guaranteed?
No. Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. This is educational. Confirm important schedules with your advisor.
Calculate business days now
Open the calculator, set weekends and holidays, and pick the inclusion mode before sharing your count.