How to Calculate the Days Between Two Dates in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Deadlines, notice periods, holiday allowances and ages all depend on counting days correctly. UK bank holidays make working-day counts trickier than they look.

This guide explains how to calculate the Days Between Two Dates in the UK, step by step. Count the days, weeks and working days between two dates. You'll see the formula, a fully worked example and practical tips for UK readers.

What this calculation covers

Count the days, weeks and working days between two dates.

Accurate date calculations help you meet legal deadlines, plan leave, and check notice periods or contract terms.

The method and formula

We subtract the start date from the end date. Working days exclude weekends and England and Wales bank holidays.

Every figure on our days Between Dates Calculator follows this method, so you can check the working yourself.

Worked example

Here's a typical example using these figures:

Running them through the method gives:

The headline figure is days between: 358. Change any input and the result will move with it.

How to use the calculator

1. Enter or choose start date.
2. Enter or choose end date.
3. Read your results. The main figure is shown at the top, with a breakdown underneath.
4. Try different values to compare scenarios side by side.

Tips for UK readers

• Check whether a deadline counts the start day, the end day or both.
• Bank holidays differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day is usually given.
• Statutory holiday entitlement can include bank holidays.

Frequently asked questions

What's the quickest way to work out the Days Between Two Dates?

Use our free days Between Dates Calculator. It applies this method automatically: We subtract the start date from the end date. Working days exclude weekends and England and Wales bank holidays.

Which bank holidays are included?

Working-day calculations use England and Wales bank holidays from 2025 to 2027.

Are start and end dates included?

Days-between counts the difference between dates; working-day counts include both start and end dates.

Is holiday entitlement including bank holidays?

The statutory 5.6 weeks can include bank holidays. Check your contract for how your employer handles them.

Summary

To work out the Days Between Two Dates, follow the method above: We subtract the start date from the end date. For a quick, accurate answer with your own figures, use the calculator.

Next, read The Days Between Two Dates: Common Mistakes, Tips and FAQs.