What are “working days”?
Working days (or business days) are when most businesses, banks, and government offices are open: typically Monday–Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays. Exact totals vary by country and year.
United States
- Standard workweek: Monday–Friday
- Typical weekdays per year: ~261 (non-leap year)
- Federal holidays: 11 (observed rules may shift to Fri/Mon)
- Approx. working days after holidays: ~250
- Note: Some states and employers observe additional holidays.
United Kingdom
- Standard workweek: Monday–Friday
- Bank holidays: ~8 (varies by nation within the UK)
- Approx. working days: ~244–246
European Union (general)
The EU isn’t uniform—public holidays vary by country (and sometimes region).
- Standard workweek: Monday–Friday
- Public holidays: ~9–14 depending on country
- Approx. working days: ~240–245
Canada
- Standard workweek: Monday–Friday
- Statutory holidays: Vary by province/territory (9–12+)
- Approx. working days: ~240–245
Working days comparison (typical year)
| Region | Weekdays | Holidays counted | Approx. working days |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ~261 | 11 federal | ~250 |
| United Kingdom | ~261 | ~8 bank holidays | ~244–246 |
| EU (general) | ~261 | ~9–14 | ~240–245 |
| Canada | ~261 | 9–12+ | ~240–245 |
Totals are approximate. Local/regional holidays and employer policies vary. Use the calculator to add custom dates.
Plan across borders with fewer surprises
- Confirm local public holidays for each team or customer region.
- Account for observed dates when a holiday lands on a weekend.
- Share timelines in both calendar days and business days.
- Use the Business Days Calculator and add custom holidays for each country.