Working days, “jours ouvrables”, calendar days: what’s the difference?
Calendar days: every day of the calendar, Monday to Sunday, public holidays included.
“Jours ouvrables”: every day except Sundays and public holidays, i.e. Monday to Saturday. It is the legal basis for paid leave in France (2.5 days per month) and for many notice periods, in France and in Belgium.
Working days (“jours ouvrés”): the days actually worked in the company, usually Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Many employers count leave in working days (25 a year in France, 20 for a full-time job in Belgium).
The calculator counts both dates inclusively. It deducts the statutory public holidays: 11 in France (13 in Alsace-Moselle) and 10 in Belgium.
In 2026 in France: 252 working days (Mon–Fri) and 303 “jours ouvrables” (Mon–Sat). In 2026 in Belgium: 253 working days (Mon–Fri) and 304 “jours ouvrables” (Mon–Sat).
Frequently asked questions
How many working days are there in 2026?
In 2026, there are 252 working days in France (outside Alsace-Moselle) and 253 in Belgium, once public holidays falling on weekdays are deducted.
Are the start and end dates included?
Yes, both dates are included. For a deadline counted “from tomorrow”, use the deadline calculator at the bottom of the tool.
Are regional holidays included?
Alsace-Moselle is available (Good Friday and 26 December). In Belgium, Community holidays (27 September, 11 July, 15 November) are not statutory public holidays: check with your employer.
See also: Public holidays 2026 in France · Bridge days 2026 in France · Public holidays 2026 in Belgium · Bridge days 2026 in Belgium
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