What is a probation period?

A probation period is a trial time at the start of a new job. Both you and your employer can see whether the job is a good fit, and in many countries either side can end the contract with shorter notice while it lasts. Three and six months are the most common lengths.

Tool description

Enter your first day of work and the length of the probation period in days, weeks or months. The tool shows:

  • The last day of probation, with its weekday
  • The first day after probation
  • The length of the probation period in calendar days
  • Where you stand today: how many days until it starts, how many days are left, or how long ago it ended
  • A progress bar of how much of the probation period is done

How the days are counted

The start date counts as the first day of probation. A period in months ends the day before the same day number comes round again: three months from January 15 end on April 14, and six months from September 1 end on the last day of February.

When the month the period ends in doesn't have that day number, the period ends on that month's last day. Three months from November 30 end on February 28, or February 29 in a leap year.

Periods in days and weeks count the start date too, so 90 days from January 15 end on April 14 and one week from a Monday ends on Sunday.

Example

A job starts on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with a six-month probation. The last day of probation is Sunday, February 28, 2027, the period is 181 days long, and the first day after it is March 1.

Good to know

Contracts and labor laws set how probation is counted, whether it can be extended, and whether sick days or holidays pause it. Check your contract when the exact day matters.

Features

  • Probation periods in days, weeks or months
  • Last day of probation and first day after it
  • Days left, live from today's date
  • Progress bar of the completed part
  • Dates in your regional date format