If you’re an employee, employer, or HR professional planning for the year ahead, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: How many workdays will there be in 2026?
From setting project deadlines and planning vacations to budgeting for payroll and staffing, knowing the number of working days (after accounting for weekends and public holidays) is essential.
This guide breaks down everything you need to plan your year efficiently, from total workdays and federal holidays to time-off tips and tools to help you make the most of every day.
What is a Workday?
A workday is typically defined as any weekday, Monday through Friday, that isn’t a weekend or a public holiday. Most U.S. organizations operate on a standard five-day workweek, usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
That said, not all industries follow this schedule. Healthcare, retail, and public safety sectors often operate on weekends or around the clock. In those cases, “workday” definitions can vary based on shift patterns and business needs.
For most people, though, when we talk about workdays, we simply mean Monday to Friday, minus holidays. This number becomes the foundation for planning productivity goals, employee scheduling, and time-off management for the entire year.
How Many Work Days in 2026?
The calendar year 2026 has 365 days, and since it’s not a leap year, we can calculate the number of standard workdays by subtracting weekends and federal holidays.
Total calendar days: 365
Weekends: 104 days (52 Saturdays and 52 Sundays)
Federal holidays (that fall on weekdays): 11
So the formula looks like this:
365 – 104 – 11 = 250 workdays
That means there are approximately 250 working days in 2026 for most U.S. employees.
Keep in mind that this number may vary slightly depending on your company’s holiday schedule or industry. If a holiday falls on a weekend, many employers observe it on the nearest weekday, which can shift your total by a day or two.
How Many Federal Holidays Are There in 2026?
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Celebrates the start of the new year a time for reflection, rest, and celebration. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes equality and community service. |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16 | Originally honoring George Washington, now celebrates all U.S. presidents. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Honors U.S. military personnel who died in service; marks the unofficial start of summer. |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Friday, June 19 | Commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. and celebrates freedom and equality. |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 (observed Friday, July 3) | America’s birthday celebrated with parades, fireworks, and family gatherings. |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Recognizes the contributions of workers and the labor movement. |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 | Observed in many states; some recognize it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead. |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Honors all U.S. military veterans for their service and sacrifice. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | A day of gratitude and family gatherings, marked by meals and celebration. |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | Celebrates the Christmas season with traditions of giving, rest, and reflection. |
Holidays in 2026
In addition to federal holidays, there are many other observances that may not be mandated by law but are still widely celebrated. Some employers voluntarily provide time off for these holidays or offer them as half-days or optional leave days.
Here are a few notable non-federal holidays in 2026:
| Observance | Date (2026) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Valentine’s Day | Saturday, February 14 | Not a public holiday, but often celebrated in offices with small events or early finishes. |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Recognized by many Christian communities; some businesses close or allow optional religious leave. |
| Halloween | Saturday, October 31 | Not an official holiday, but many workplaces celebrate with themed dress codes or shorter hours. |
| Black Friday | Friday, November 27 | The day after Thanksgiving — often treated as a paid day off or one of the most popular vacation days of the year. |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24 | Commonly observed as a half-day or full company closure, especially in private-sector workplaces. |
State Holidays in the U.S. 2026
Apart from the federal holidays, individual U.S. states recognise their own official holidays, which typically apply to state employees and sometimes to public schools or other institutions. Private employers may choose to observe them or not, depending on their location and industry.
Some notable state holidays in 2026 include:
César Chávez Day – March 31 (California): Honors the labour leader and civil-rights activist.
Patriots’ Day – April 21 (Massachusetts & Maine): Commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolution.
Emancipation Day – April 16 (Washington, D.C.): Marks the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia in 1862.
Pioneer Day – July 24 (Utah): Celebrates the arrival of Mormon pioneers in Salt Lake Valley.
Nevada Day – October 31 (Nevada): Marks Nevada’s admission into the Union in 1864.
These state-level holidays may affect government services in those states and could be observed by businesses operating locally.
How Many Work Days Off Are There in 2026?
While the official number of workdays is 250, the actual total days off an employee receives in 2026 will depend on their company’s policies and benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of typical time off:
Federal holidays: 11
Vacation days: Most employees receive between 10 to 20 days annually, depending on tenure and company policies.
Sick leave: Commonly 5 to 10 days, depending on state laws and company structure.
Personal or floating holidays: Some employers offer 1–3 personal days or floating holidays.
So in total, many full-time employees can expect 30 to 40 paid days off throughout the year, which is approximately 6 to 8 full workweeks.
Tips For Planning Your 2026 Work Schedule
Efficient time off planning can enhance productivity, reduce burnout, and improve work-life balance. Here are some strategies to make the most of your workdays and vacation in 2026:
Use long weekends for extended breaks
Combine a federal holiday (like Memorial Day or Labor Day) with a vacation day or two to create longer breaks without using much of your paid time off.Plan around major projects and deadlines
Coordinate your leave with your team and management to avoid absences during critical work periods, ensuring smooth operations and team coverage.Submit vacation requests early
High-demand times such as summer, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays fill up quickly. Requesting time off early increases your chances of approval.Take advantage of lesser-known holidays
State holidays or company-wide closures can be a great opportunity for short trips, rest, or personal projects.Use a leave management tool like Day Off
Digital tools make it easier to track leave balances, avoid scheduling conflicts, and streamline requests for both employees and HR teams.Review your PTO accrual policy
Understand how your paid time off accumulates, monthly, quarterly, or annually, and plan to ensure you use it before it expires.
Use Day Off Leave Tracker
Simplify your team’s time-off planning in 2026 with Day Off, a user-friendly leave management tool designed for businesses of all sizes. It helps teams stay organized, avoid scheduling conflicts, and manage every vacation or PTO request with minimal effort.
Real-Time Leave Balance Tracking
View updated leave balances instantly. Day Off automatically tracks accruals, used days, remaining balances, and carry-overs, ensuring employees and managers always have accurate information.
Customizable Leave Types and Policies
Create unlimited leave categories such as annual, sick, parental, or unpaid leave. You can set custom accrual rates, define reset rules (annual or anniversary-based), and tailor policies for teams or individuals.
Automated Approval Workflows and Multi-Approvers
Configure flexible approval workflows with one or multiple approvers. Notifications and alerts keep requests moving quickly, ensuring a smooth and consistent approval process.
Work Schedule Management
Set up employee work schedules to reflect different shifts, weekends, or regional working days. This feature ensures accurate leave calculations and helps prevent scheduling conflicts across diverse teams.
Shared Team Calendar
Visualize your entire team’s schedule in one place. The shared calendar helps identify overlapping requests, maintain proper staffing, and improve coordination across departments.
Mobile, Desktop, and Integrations
Access Day Off anywhere, on iOS, Android, or web. Sync with Google Calendar or Outlook, and integrate with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to make leave management seamless.
Global and Multi-Location Support
Manage teams across different countries or time zones with localized holidays, workweek settings, and carry-over rules, ensuring compliance and consistency worldwide.
FAQs
How many workweeks are there in 2026?
There are 52 full weeks in 2026. With approximately 250 workdays, that equals around 50 full workweeks, with weekends and holidays making up the remaining days.
What if a holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, it’s typically observed on the preceding Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, it’s observed on the following Monday.
How can I check state-specific holidays?
Each state government publishes an official list of holidays, usually available on its department of labor or administrative services website.
Do part-time workers get holidays off?
This depends on employer policy. Some part-time employees receive pro-rated holiday pay or time off, while others may not be eligible for paid holidays.
What’s the best way to avoid burnout with limited days off?
Plan your breaks strategically throughout the year. Use long weekends for mini getaways, take regular short breaks between busy periods, and maintain a healthy work-life balance with flexible scheduling whenever possible.
Can unused PTO be carried over to 2027?
Carryover policies depend on company rules and state laws. Some employers allow unused paid time off to roll over into the next year, while others follow a “use it or lose it” policy. Always check your company’s PTO policy in advance.
How do remote or hybrid employees handle time-off requests?
Remote and hybrid workers typically follow the same PTO process as on-site employees. Digital tools like Day Off make it easy to submit, track, and approve leave requests regardless of location.
Are there new workplace trends affecting time off in 2026?
Yes. Many companies are offering more flexible leave options, such as mental health days, floating holidays, and unlimited PTO models, to promote well-being and attract top talent.
Conclusion
As 2026 approaches, thoughtful time off planning is more important than ever. With 250 workdays spread across 52 weeks, balancing productivity and personal well-being requires clear policies, early planning, and the right tools. Understanding federal and state holidays, using your PTO strategically, and encouraging regular breaks can help employees stay energized and engaged throughout the year.
Tools like Day Off make managing time off simpler for everyone, reducing administrative work, preventing scheduling conflicts, and promoting transparency across teams. Whether your organization is large or small, efficient leave management not only improves operations but also supports a healthier, happier workplace.
Taking the time to plan ahead ensures that 2026 is a year of balance, focus, and sustainable success, for both employees and employers alike.