Contract Start Date Calculator

The effective date (also called start date or commencement date) is when a contract officially begins and its terms become binding. This date may differ from the signature date if the parties specify a future effective date.

Yes, in most contracts the start date and effective date are the same thing. Both terms refer to when the contract becomes active and legally binding. Some industries prefer "effective date" while others use "start date."

You might need the start date or effective date for contract audits, verifying contract terms, calculating total contract value over time, or when you have the end date but need to find the original commencement date for compliance or record-keeping purposes.

Yes, the effective date can be before, on, or after the signature date. Parties often sign a contract but specify a future effective date, or they may backdate the effective date to cover a period before signing.