How do you count cycle days?!

Okay so I have googled and everything I read is mixed, I never know how to calculate my cycle days. My period always starts as spotting for 2 to 3 days bleeding for 2 to 3 days then ending with spotting for 1 to 2 days. My question is do I count my period starting the day I see any trace of blood(spotting), or only when the flow actually starts? Help!