How Long Is 1-3 Business Days? Delivery Time Explained
You place an order and see “arrives in 1-3 business days.” Simple, right? Not always. The wording leaves many people unsure about the real date.
So how long is 1-3 business days? It means 1 to 3 working days. Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays do not count. In calendar time, that is usually 1 to 5 days.
This guide shows you exactly how it works, with easy examples. If you want the exact date right now, you can count the business days from your order date in a few seconds.
What Does 1-3 Business Days Mean?
A business day is a normal working day. It runs Monday to Friday. Banks, couriers, and most shops follow this schedule.
When a store says 1-3 business days, it gives you a range. The earliest it can arrive is after 1 working day. The latest is after 3 working days.
Weekends are skipped. If a weekend falls inside the range, the wait gets longer on the calendar.
When Does the Count Start?
This is where most confusion happens. The count usually starts the next business day after your order ships. It does not start when you click “buy.”
Here is what that means:
- Your order is packed and handed to the courier. That is day zero.
- The next working day is day 1.
- Each working day after that adds one more.
Some stores count from the order time instead. Always check the store’s shipping policy. Carriers also set their own windows. For example, USPS lists its Priority Mail goal as 2 to 3 days and does not guarantee the delivery time.
How Long Is 1-3 Business Days by Order Day?
The day you order changes the result. Here are four common cases. These assume the order ships the same day.
Order on Monday
- Day 1 is Tuesday.
- Day 3 is Thursday.
- You get it between Tuesday and Thursday.
Order on Wednesday
- Day 1 is Thursday.
- Day 2 is Friday.
- Day 3 is Monday, because the weekend is skipped.
- You get it between Thursday and Monday.
Order on Thursday
- Day 1 is Friday.
- Day 2 is Monday.
- Day 3 is Tuesday.
- You get it between Friday and Tuesday.
Order on Friday
- Day 1 is Monday.
- Day 3 is Wednesday.
- You get it between Monday and Wednesday.
Notice how a Friday order feels slow. The package may sit at the warehouse over the weekend. That is normal.
Does Saturday Count in 1-3 Business Days?
Usually, no. Most shipping windows count Monday to Friday only.
Some couriers do deliver on Saturdays. UPS and FedEx usually do not count Saturday as a business day for standard ground service. USPS delivers on Saturday for many services. A Saturday delivery can be a nice bonus, but do not expect it. See whether Saturday counts for the rules by carrier, bank and more.
Do Holidays Count?
No. Public holidays are not business days. In the US, check the list of US federal holidays before you plan a delivery.
A holiday can push your delivery back by one day. For example, say your order ships on Thursday and the next Monday is a public holiday. Day 1 is Friday. The weekend and Monday are skipped, so Day 2 is Tuesday and Day 3 is Wednesday. Without the holiday, Day 3 would have been Tuesday.
Plan a little extra time around holidays, especially in December.
How Long Are 2, 3, and 10 Business Days?
People also ask about other ranges. Here are quick answers.
How long is 2 business days?
Two business days is two working days. It is usually 2 to 4 calendar days. If a weekend sits in the middle, it is 4.
How long is 3 business days?
Three business days is usually 3 to 5 calendar days. A weekend inside the range pushes it to 5.
How long is 10 business days?
Ten business days is two full work weeks. That is normally 14 calendar days. Add one more day for each holiday.
Quick Tips to Avoid Delays
- Order early in the week. A Monday order beats a Friday order.
- Check the cut-off time. Orders placed after it often ship the next day.
- Read whether the store counts from the order date or the ship date.
- Add a buffer if you need the item for a deadline or gift.
Need an Exact Date?
When timing matters, do not guess. Use our business days calculator to add business days to any start date. It skips weekends and lets you exclude holidays too.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Read our guide on business days vs calendar days.
FAQs
What does 1-3 business days mean for shipping?
It means your package should arrive within 1 to 3 working days after it ships. Weekends and holidays are not counted.
Is 1-3 business days the same as 1-3 days?
No. Days include weekends. Business days do not. So 1-3 business days can take up to 5 calendar days.
Do business days include Saturday and Sunday?
No. Business days normally mean Monday to Friday. Some carriers deliver on Saturday, but it usually does not count as a business day. See our guide on whether Saturday is a business day.
Does the order day count as day 1?
Usually not. Day 1 is the next business day after your order ships.
What if my package is late?
Check the tracking page first. If the window has passed, contact the store or the courier with your order number.
Final Thoughts
1-3 business days is a simple idea once you know the rules. Skip weekends, skip holidays, and start counting the next working day. Order early in the week, and you will usually see your package sooner.
