Here’s an easy way to work out how many working days there are in a year – and the best time to book holiday
The UK has fewer working days than most countries because of public holidays - but how much less?
WHEN it comes to the working week, we definitely live for the weekend.
But if you take the time to work out how many days you actually spend at your desk it can make it easier for you to decide when you take time off.
Okay so the results are a bit depressing, but it can actually be useful to help you decide when to get away on holiday.
And even though we know there's 52 weeks and 365 days in a year - unless it's a leap year.
So this year, there are 252 working days, with 104 days that fall on weekends and eight public bank holidays.
This is how you work it out. It looks complicated but it's actually really simple but bear with us.
HOW MANY WORKING DAYS PER MONTH 2018
WE worked out how many days you'll be working in each month of this year...
January working days - 23
Feburary working days - 20
March working days - 22
April working days - 21
May working days - 23
June working days - 21
July working days - 22
August working days - 23
September working days - 20
October working days - 23
November working days - 22
December working days - 21
First thing to do is to work out when the bank and public holidays are and add them all together. In 2018, there are eight.
Remember, there are 52 weeks in a year but it doesn't divide exactly by 365 or 366 days - there are also a few left over.
You'll also need to count those "extra" days and find out how many of them fall onto a work day.
Also there are five working days in each week and that adds up to 260. You now have everything you need to do the sum.
260 + number of "extra" working days - number of public and bank holidays.
So for 2018 it's: 260 + 1 - 8 = 253.
So while the result might be a bit low, it gives you enough incentive to get on an book your holiday.
How to make the most of your holiday days
If you have a 25 day allowance, book these days off for maximum efficiency.
Even though some of the dates have already passed you might want to get booking future time off now.
- 24 Mar - 8 Apr (16 days off with 8 leave days taken)
- 5 May - 28 May (24 days off with 14 leave days taken)
Or, if you have a 25 day allowance and want a summer holiday, book these days off:
- 22 Dec - 6 Jan (16 days off with 7 leave days taken)
- 5 May - 28 May (24 days off with 14 leave days taken)
- 25 Aug - 2 Sept (9 days off with 4 days taken)
If you have a 29 day allowance, book these days off:
- 22 Dec - 6 Jan (16 days off with 7 leave days taken)
- 24 Mar - 8 Apr (16 days off with 8 leave days taken)
- 5 May - 28 May (24 days off with 14 leave days taken)
If you've got itchy feet then we've got a guide to when is the best time of year to book your holiday.
Holidaymakers setting their sights on the Big Apple could save a whopping 40 per cent if they booked within a month before they travel, or three months ahead if you're jetting off to Dubai.
Or if it's the next bank holiday that you're really looking forward to you can find out how many you've got left here.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team? Email us at money@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 78 24516. Don't forget to join the for the latest bargains and money-saving advice.