What Are Calendar Days?
Calendar days include every day on the calendar — Monday through Sunday, including weekends and holidays. If something is due in 10 calendar days, you count every single day.
What Are Business Days?
Business days typically mean Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. So, “within 5 business days” might actually be 7–8 calendar days later, depending on weekends and holidays.
Example
Let’s say you’re told your package will arrive in 5 business days on Friday, March 7. The count skips the weekend, so delivery would be expected on Friday, March 14. But if it said 5 calendar days, delivery would be Wednesday, March 12.
Why It Matters
- Payroll: Knowing if weekends count can prevent late paychecks.
- Shipping: Many carriers specify “business days” for delivery estimates.
- Contracts: Legal documents often reference business days, not calendar days.
To save time, you can use our free Business Days Calculator to check exact timelines instantly.
FAQ
What is the difference between business days and calendar days?
Business days exclude weekends and holidays, while calendar days include all days in a month.
Do weekends count as business days?
No, unless specifically stated by a company or industry (e.g., some shipping providers).
Why is the difference important?
Because it changes deadlines — 5 business days can be up to 7 calendar days depending on weekends and holidays.