Working days vs calendar days
Calendar days include every day. Working days exclude weekends and, usually, public holidays. A deadline of "10 days" and a deadline of "10 working days" can be two weeks apart, which is a common source of missed dates.
Where it helps
Project managers use it to set realistic delivery dates. Freelancers use it to quote turnaround time. Students use it for coursework with working-day deadlines, and anyone dealing with a bank, court or visa office can use it to check processing times.
A tip for planning
Never plan to finish on the last allowed day. Count the working days you have, then plan to be done a day or two earlier. The goal breakdown calculator can turn that number into a daily target.
Frequently asked questions
Are the start and end dates counted?
In "between dates" mode both the start and end dates are included if they are working days. In "add days" mode the start date is day 0, so adding 1 working day gives the next working day.
Does it know public holidays?
No. Holidays differ by country, region and company, so you enter the dates you want to skip. Add them in YYYY-MM-DD format, one per line or separated by commas.
Can I use a different weekend?
Yes. Several countries use Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Tick whichever weekdays are non-working for you, or none at all for a seven-day week.
How do I count working days for a delivery or contract date?
Use "add working days" with the date the clock starts. Check your contract for whether the first day counts and which holidays apply, because definitions vary.