How to Find Difference Between Dates in Excel
Are you struggling to calculate the difference between two dates in Excel? Whether you are working on a project, managing a timeline, or simply trying to keep track of time, knowing how to find the difference between dates in Excel is a valuable skill. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating the difference between dates in Excel, ensuring that you can efficiently manage your time and data.
Using the DATEDIF Function
One of the most common methods to find the difference between dates in Excel is by using the DATEDIF function. This function calculates the difference between two dates and returns the result in days, months, or years. To use the DATEDIF function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the formula: =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “d”) to calculate the difference in days, or =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “m”) to calculate the difference in months.
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to start from.
4. Replace “end_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to end with.
5. Press Enter, and the result will be displayed in the selected cell.
Using the DAYS Function
Another way to find the difference between dates in Excel is by using the DAYS function. This function returns the number of days between two dates. To use the DAYS function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the formula: =DAYS(end_date, start_date) to calculate the difference in days.
3. Replace “end_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to end with.
4. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to start from.
5. Press Enter, and the result will be displayed in the selected cell.
Using the NETWORKDAYS Function
If you want to calculate the difference between two dates, excluding weekends and holidays, the NETWORKDAYS function is a great option. This function returns the number of working days between two dates. To use the NETWORKDAYS function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the formula: =NETWORKDAYS(start_date, end_date, [holidays]) to calculate the difference in working days.
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to start from.
4. Replace “end_date” with the cell reference or the actual date you want to end with.
5. If you want to exclude specific holidays, enter the range of cells containing the holidays in the “[holidays]” argument.
6. Press Enter, and the result will be displayed in the selected cell.
Conclusion
Finding the difference between dates in Excel is a fundamental skill that can help you manage your time and data more effectively. By using the DATEDIF, DAYS, and NETWORKDAYS functions, you can easily calculate the difference in days, months, or years, and even exclude weekends and holidays. With these techniques, you will be well-equipped to handle various date-related tasks in Excel.
