The default total excludes the start date; select the inclusive option when both boundary dates count. Reverse the dates and the tool will still show the absolute difference.
How to use this days between dates
- Choose the start date.
- Choose the end date.
- Read the date difference immediately.
Inclusive versus exclusive day counts
The default result measures the calendar distance between the dates: 1 January to 3 January is 2 days. Select Include both start and end dates when a booking, school term or other date range counts both calendar days; the same example is then 3 days.
How days between dates are calculated
This calculator compares date-only values in UTC, so daylight-saving clock changes do not turn a calendar day into 23 or 25 hours. It also handles leap years and the different lengths of calendar months. The years-months-days breakdown describes the exclusive calendar distance; the inclusive option adds one calendar day to the total count.
Which date-counting method should I use?
Use the default date difference for elapsed time and most spreadsheet-style date subtraction. Use inclusive counting only when the applicable policy says both boundary dates count. For working days that exclude Saturdays and Sundays, use the existing Business Days Calculator; public holidays are not included there because they vary by location.