How to Calculate Deadlines under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

Rule 6 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure provides the following instructions for computing and extending time periods specified in those rules. You can save time and increase your knowledge with a good practice guide for federal trial attorneys.

Time periods stated in “days” are calendar days. Accordingly, count the days, including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
The date of the trigger event is excluded. Therefore, if you are counting forward from today, then today is day zero, tomorrow is day one, and so forth.
When the due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, keep going until you reach the next business day. If you are counting forward from a trigger event, continue moving forward until you reach the next business day. If you are counting backward from a trigger event, continue moving backward until you reach a business day.
Electronic filings are due by midnight of the due date. Manual filings are due before the clerk’s office closes.
Federal holidays are listed here. Check your court’s local rules for additional information about recognized holidays.
Certain methods of service, such as service by mail or by leaving a document with the clerk, entitle a party to additional time to act.
Bankruptcy courts have their own set of rules, which can be found online.