Federal litigation deadlines are governed primarily by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Most federal deadlines are calculated using Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6(a), which governs how courts count days. Rule 6 excludes the day of the triggering event and extends deadlines that fall on weekends or legal holidays to the next business day.
The federal court calculators below can help compute federal litigation deadlines based on the applicable rule and the triggering date.
Example: Calculate an Answer Deadline
For example, if a defendant is served with a complaint on March 1, the 21-day answer period begins on March 2. If the 21st day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day under Rule 6(a).
Federal Court Deadline Calculators
Pleading deadlines are among the first deadlines encountered in federal civil litigation. These calculators help determine when answers, replies, and responsive pleadings must be filed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12 and related provisions. Because motions under Rule 12 can affect answer deadlines, several calculators also address how those motions alter the time to respond.
Answers to Counterclaims and Crossclaims
Reply to an Answer (If Ordered)
Effect of a Motion on the Answer Deadline
Discovery deadlines are typically governed by Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 26 through 37. The calculators below help determine deadlines for disclosures, discovery responses, and expert witness reports that arise during federal civil litigation.
Responses to Discovery Requests
Motion practice in federal court involves a number of timing rules governing service, responses, and supporting affidavits. The calculators below help determine deadlines for common motion-related filings under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Affidavits in Opposition to Motions
Motion for a More Definite Statement
The deadline calculators on CourtDeadlines were developed from real litigation practice and refined over time to reflect the language of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. They are intended as educational tools to help lawyers and litigants understand how federal procedural deadlines are calculated.
For a detailed explanation of how federal courts count days when calculating deadlines, see our guide on how to count days for court deadlines.
CourtDeadlines is continually expanding its library of resources and deadline calculators. If you encounter a federal procedural deadline that is not currently covered by one of the calculators on this page, or if you experience a problem using a calculator, please contact us and let us know. Feedback helps improve the accuracy and usefulness of these tools.