The quick answer
Business days are usually Monday–Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. A window of 3–5 business days is typically about 5–7 calendar days (longer if a holiday is included). Most companies start counting on the next business day after your order or request.
How to count 3–5 business days
- Find the start: Usually the next business day after you place the order or submit the request.
- Skip weekends: Saturday and Sunday don’t count.
- Skip observed holidays: If a public holiday occurs, add a day.
- Count the range: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 … Day 5.
Want it done for you? Use our free Business Days Calculator to get the exact date for your situation (US/CA/UK/EU holiday sets included).
Practical examples
| Scenario | Starting point | 3 business days | 5 business days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order placed Friday (afternoon) | Counts from Monday | Wed | Fri | Weekend skipped |
| Request submitted Tuesday morning | Counts from Tuesday | Thu | Mon | If no holidays |
| Order placed before a holiday | Holiday pauses count | +1 day | +1 day | Observed holiday extends window |
Where you’ll see it
Shipping & Delivery
If a store says “ships in 3–5 business days,” it’s the time to prepare and hand off the package, not the transit time. Carriers also quote in business days. Add both together for a realistic arrival date.
Customer Support
“We’ll reply within 3–5 business days” usually starts after your ticket is received during business hours. Late Friday submissions are typically counted from Monday.
Banking & Payments
Transfers, refunds, and chargebacks often use business-day windows. Bank holidays pause the clock even if your company is open.
Projects & Contracts
SOWs and legal agreements usually define business days explicitly. If not, assume Mon–Fri, no holidays. Clarify timezone and holiday set when working across countries.
Tips to avoid surprises
- Check the start: Does the count begin today or the next business day?
- Confirm holidays: Your vendor’s region may observe different dates.
- Mind cutoffs: Orders after a certain hour (e.g., 3pm) usually roll to the next business day.
- Add transit time: “Processing in 3–5 business days” ≠ delivery window.
Want an exact date for your case? Pop your dates into the Business Days Calculator and choose your region to auto-exclude weekends and holidays.
FAQ
Is Saturday a business day?
Generally no. Some industries operate on Saturday, but unless stated, don’t count it.
Do companies ever include the start day?
Some do if you order early morning and they confirm same-day processing. When in doubt, assume the next business day.
What about international teams?
Align on a single timezone and holiday calendar up front to avoid off-by-one-day issues.