Net 15 Calculator
Enter your invoice date and get the Net 15 due date plus a full reminder schedule for follow-up emails. Everything runs in your browser — no data is stored or sent to any server.
How It Works
The Net 15 Calculator takes your invoice date and instantly computes the payment due date 15 calendar days later. It also generates a complete follow-up reminder schedule to help you collect payment on time. The schedule includes a 5-day reminder, a 2-day reminder, a due-date reminder, and an overdue follow-up date for invoices that go past due.
Net 15 is a short payment term commonly used in industries where fast cash flow is critical. It means the buyer has 15 calendar days from the invoice date to pay the full amount owed. This term applies to calendar days, not business days, so weekends and holidays are included in the count. Net 15 is popular among small businesses, service providers, and freelancers who need to maintain tight cash flow cycles.
Formula
Due Date = Invoice Date + 15 calendar days
5-Day Reminder = Invoice Date + 10 days
2-Day Reminder = Invoice Date + 13 days
Due Date Reminder = Invoice Date + 15 days
Overdue Follow-Up = Invoice Date + 22 days
Why Use Net 15 Payment Terms
Net 15 terms are ideal for businesses that rely on rapid cash flow. Shorter payment windows reduce the risk of late payments and minimize the amount of outstanding receivables at any given time. For freelancers and small agencies, Net 15 helps ensure that operating expenses are covered without long gaps between delivering work and receiving payment. Many subscription-based services and recurring service agreements also use Net 15 to keep billing cycles tight and predictable.
Compared to Net 30 or Net 60 terms, Net 15 significantly reduces your days sales outstanding (DSO), which is a key metric for financial health. Lower DSO means you have more cash on hand and less capital tied up in unpaid invoices.
Best Practices for Net 15 Invoicing
- Send invoices immediately. With only 15 days, every day counts. Issue your invoice the same day you deliver the work or service.
- Include clear payment instructions. Make it easy for clients to pay by including bank details, payment links, or accepted methods directly on the invoice.
- Automate reminders. Use your invoicing software to schedule the 5-day and 2-day reminders automatically so nothing slips through the cracks.
- Set expectations early. Establish Net 15 terms in your contract before work begins so clients are prepared for the shorter payment window.
- Offer early payment incentives. Consider offering a small discount (e.g., 1% off if paid within 5 days) to encourage even faster payment.
Examples
Example 1: Invoice dated January 1
If you issue an invoice on January 1 with Net 15 terms, the due date is January 16. Your 5-day reminder should go out on January 11, the 2-day reminder on January 14, and the overdue follow-up on January 23 if payment has not been received.
Example 2: Invoice dated March 20
An invoice dated March 20 is due on April 4. Send the first reminder on March 30 (5 days before), the second on April 2 (2 days before), and an overdue follow-up on April 11 if needed.
Example 3: Invoice dated November 25
An invoice issued on November 25 has a Net 15 due date of December 10. The 5-day reminder falls on December 5, the 2-day reminder on December 8, and the overdue notice would go out on December 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Net 15?
Net 15 is a payment term that means the full invoice amount is due within 15 calendar days from the date the invoice is issued. The "Net" refers to the total amount owed, and "15" is the number of calendar days the buyer has to pay. It is a shorter payment term commonly used by freelancers, small businesses, and service providers who need faster cash flow.
Does Net 15 include weekends and holidays?
Yes. Net 15 is calculated using calendar days, which means weekends, public holidays, and non-working days are all included in the 15-day count. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is typically expected on the next business day, though the contractual obligation remains on the calculated date.
When should I use Net 15 instead of Net 30?
Use Net 15 when you need faster cash flow, when working with smaller projects, or when you are a freelancer or small business that cannot afford to wait 30 days for payment. Net 15 is also appropriate when you have an established relationship with a client who has demonstrated prompt payment habits. For larger enterprises or government contracts, Net 30 or longer terms may be expected.
What happens if a client does not pay by the Net 15 due date?
If a client misses the Net 15 deadline, send a polite overdue notice referencing the invoice number and amount. Follow up with a phone call if there is no response within a few days. If your contract includes a late fee clause, notify the client that late fees will begin accruing. For persistently overdue invoices, consider engaging a collections agency or seeking legal counsel.
Can I offer early payment discounts with Net 15?
Yes. A common approach is to offer a small discount for payment within an even shorter window. For example, "1/5 Net 15" means the client gets a 1% discount if they pay within 5 days, otherwise the full amount is due in 15 days. Early payment discounts can incentivize faster payments and improve your cash flow further.