Days Between Dates Calculator
Count the calendar days between two dates, with optional inclusive counting, weeks and days, approximate months and weekday details.
Calculate days between two dates
Enter a start date and end date, then choose whether to count the end points.
How the days between dates calculator works
The calculator finds the number of calendar days between the two selected dates. Calendar days include weekdays, weekends and bank holidays.
If the end date is before the start date, the calculator shows the absolute distance between the two dates and explains the direction.
Date difference formula
For exclusive counting, the calculation is a straight date difference:
exclusive days = end date - start dateFor inclusive counting, the calculator adds one day so that both the start date and end date are counted.
inclusive days = (end date - start date) + 1Inclusive vs exclusive counting
Exclusive counting is usually used when measuring elapsed time. For example, from 1 January to 10 January is 9 days because 10 January is 9 calendar days after 1 January.
Inclusive counting is useful when you want to count every date in a range. From 1 January to 10 January inclusive is 10 days, because both 1 January and 10 January are included.
What the result shows
| Output | What it means |
|---|---|
| Days between dates | The total number of calendar days using the selected counting method. |
| Weeks and days | The same result broken into full weeks and leftover days. |
| Approximate months | Calendar days divided by the average Gregorian month length of 30.4375 days. |
| Start/end weekday | The weekday for each selected date. |
| Direction | Whether the end date is after or before the start date. |
Calendar days are not the same as working days
A calendar day is any day on the calendar. It includes Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
A working day usually excludes weekends, and may also exclude bank holidays depending on the context. For deadlines, contracts or employment dates, check the wording carefully.
Worked examples
Days between dates FAQs
Do I count the start date when counting days?
It depends on the context. If you are measuring elapsed time, you usually use exclusive counting. If both the start date and end date should be included, use inclusive counting.
Does this include weekends?
Yes. This calculator counts calendar days, so weekends are included. Use the working days calculator if weekends should be excluded.
Does this include UK bank holidays?
Yes. Calendar-day counts include bank holidays. Working-day calculations may exclude bank holidays depending on region and context.
Why are approximate months not exact?
Months have different lengths. The calculator uses 30.4375 days as an average month length for a simple approximate month figure.