How to count days between dates and plan deadlines

Counting days by hand goes wrong at month ends and over weekends. Pick the rules first, then count.

Decide what counts - Do you include the first day, the last day, or both? - Are weekends and holidays in or out? - Is the deadline end of day, or a specific time?

Work backward For a deadline, count back from the date and add a buffer day for the part most likely to slip.

Write it down State the date and the rule in the message: "due Friday the 24th, end of day."

If you would like it counted for you, you can use the date calculator.