How many days does a leap year have?

A common year has 365 days. But nearly every fourth year is a leap year (like 2016) and one day, called a leap day, is added to the end of February.

What are the reasons? It's a well-known fact that it takes Earth one year to circle around the Sun once, an exact time is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds. But, according to the Gregorian calendar, each year consists only of 365 days. Are we ready to lose almost 6 hours each year? After a century that will make a 24 days loss! Time is money, so a leap day is added almost every fourth year to cover the inaccuracy of the calendar.

More Info: www.timeanddate.com

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

101 Comments

Don Woodworth

No, each century 1800, 1900, etc. is not a leap year unless it is divisible by 400. Since 2000 was divisible it was a leap year. This correction isn't one most people see more than once. If you change the the orbit of the Earth to 365.2421875 days, you can see that the simple leap year of every 4 years gives a rotation of 365.25. If you subtract one day every 3 centennial years you get a much closer number 365.2425. There are other calculations for 1,000 years which bring the number even more closely aligned. The story of the modern calendar is fascinating.

George Reilly

Why do they say, " almost every four years"? It is exactly every four years.

Rock R Dwyer

Donald Woodworth EXCELLENT detailed explanation!!

Greg Cline

It has been proven that the average large city person is less informed of simple facts than the average country folk. Says a lot for our education system. If you don't believe me try watching "Waters World" it is about what the average person knows. Coments like Carlos above just showes who the backwardass one is.

Player

People who are born on February 29, know this.

Sonia Contreras

Buena explicación.

lls

...I always get this wrong...not good with numbers. But, I do remember the ditty about which months have 31 days...

greeneyedlady

Candy Garcia, I did to! I knew it & hit the wrong Button! 🙃😂

Christine Watters

Jan R Anderberg, I've never heard that before. Just curious but where does that info come from?

Christine Watters

danny powell, what does that even mean?

Christine Watters

Don Woodworth, so when has there not been a leap year? I'm 51 and don't remember there ever being a non-leap year? I'm being serious and not sarcastic so please don't take it that way. I really want to know. Thanks!!