When you hear the term “10 business days” in emails, contracts, or official correspondence, it’s easy to assume that it’s simply 10 consecutive days on the calendar. But if you’ve ever been caught off guard by how long it actually takes, you’re not alone. So, what does “business days” really mean, and how do you count them correctly? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Business Days
A “business day” is typically defined as any day when standard businesses are open, excluding weekends and public holidays. This means that business days generally refer to Monday through Friday, with exceptions for national or local holidays like New Year’s Day, Independence Day, or Thanksgiving.
This is where confusion can arise. A lot of people assume “business days” only exclude weekends, but the actual count may also need to account for holidays, depending on your location and the specifics of the agreement.
The Key Factors to Remember When Counting Business Days
- Exclude Weekends
Since business days refer to weekdays, you should always exclude Saturdays and Sundays. If something is due in 10 business days, weekends do not count, even though they appear on the calendar.
Example: If a deadline starts on a Monday, and you’re counting 10 business days, you would exclude both Saturdays and Sundays in your count. - Holidays Matter
Business days also exclude public holidays. Depending on the country or region you’re in, there could be different holidays that impact your count.
Example: If you’re working in the U.S. and a holiday like Labor Day falls within your 10-day window, that day won’t be counted as a business day. So, your 10 business days may extend to 11 or more calendar days. - Start Counting the Day After
When you’re given a timeframe like “within 10 business days,” it typically starts the day after the event or notification. For example, if a company says it will deliver a product “within 10 business days,” and they notify you on a Tuesday, the 10-day count would begin on Wednesday.
Example: If you’re notified on a Tuesday that something will be done in 10 business days, Wednesday is Day 1, Thursday is Day 2, and so on.
How to Count Business Days Correctly
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to count 10 business days correctly:
- Identify the Start Date: Begin with the date given in the contract, email, or communication. If it’s “within 10 business days,” the day after that is your Day 1.
- Exclude Weekends: Skip any Saturdays and Sundays while counting your business days.
- Account for Public Holidays: Make sure to factor in any public holidays that may fall within the 10-day period. If a holiday falls on a weekday, skip that day from your count.
- Count the Days: Keep track of the weekdays as you count them, excluding weekends and holidays, until you reach 10 business days.
Example Scenarios
Let’s walk through a few scenarios to clarify how it works in real life:
Scenario 1: Starting on a Monday
- Start Date: Monday, May 1
- Excluding Weekends: Skip the weekend (May 6-7).
- 10 Business Days Later: This would bring you to Friday, May 12, as the 10th business day.
Scenario 2: Including a Public Holiday
- Start Date: Monday, July 3 (A U.S. holiday is on July 4)
- Excluding Weekends: Skip July 4 (a holiday), and weekends.
- 10 Business Days Later: This would push your deadline to Monday, July 17.
Why It’s Important to Get It Right
Misunderstanding business days can lead to missed deadlines, confusion, and even potential legal consequences in contracts. If you’re working on a time-sensitive project or involved in an agreement with strict timelines, it’s crucial to clarify the definition of “business days” beforehand. Always double-check the holiday calendar, as certain countries have different holidays, and industries might have additional days off that are not always immediately obvious.
Final Thoughts
When someone says “10 business days,” it’s a lot more specific than just a simple span of days on a calendar. To count business days correctly, remember to exclude weekends and account for any holidays in your region. And always start counting the day after the notification or event occurs. Understanding these details ensures that you’re on top of your deadlines and avoids any unnecessary confusion when dealing with business communications.
By taking the time to count business days properly, you’ll stay on track and keep your professional commitments intact, avoiding any last-minute surprises.
