How the 40 days are counted
Lent 2026 runs from Ash Wednesday, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to Holy Saturday, Saturday, April 4, 2026. That is 46 calendar days. Each Sunday is a little Easter and is not a day of fasting, so the six Sundays are left out and 40 days remain. Ash Wednesday is day 1, the Saturday before the first Sunday of Lent is day 4, and Holy Saturday is day 40. The calculator follows this count; Easter itself is found with the Easter date calculator.
Frequently asked questions
When does Lent start in 2026 and 2027?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in 2026 and Wednesday, February 10, 2027 in 2027. Easter 2027 is on Sunday, March 28, 2027.
Why are Sundays not counted in Lent?
Every Sunday celebrates the Resurrection, so Sundays are not fast days. From Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday there are 46 days; leaving out the six Sundays gives the 40 days of Lent, recalling Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert.
When does Lent end?
In the traditional count used here, the 40 days run until Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. In the Catholic liturgy, Lent ends on the evening of Holy Thursday, when the Easter Triduum begins.
When is Orthodox Great Lent?
Great Lent begins on Clean Monday, seven weeks before Pascha, and lasts 40 days until the Friday before Lazarus Saturday; Holy Week follows. In 2027 it runs from Monday, March 15, 2027 to Friday, April 23, 2027.