Calculate number of days between two dates in Excel

This tutorial provides several methods for calculating the number of days between two dates in Microsoft Excel. Need to know the difference between today and a past or future date? This guide covers various scenarios.

Quick Calculation with an Online Calculator:

For a fast answer, use this online calculator:

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The underlying formula is simply =B3-B2. Further methods are detailed below.

Direct Subtraction:

The simplest method involves subtracting the earlier date from the later date:

=Later Date - Earlier Date

For example: =B2 - A2 (assuming earlier date in A2, later in B2). Excel stores dates as serial numbers, making this subtraction straightforward. This method handles both positive and negative differences.

Using the DATEDIF Function:

The DATEDIF function offers another approach:

=DATEDIF(Start Date, End Date, "d")

Note: DATEDIF is an undocumented function; you must manually enter it. It only works if the start date is before the end date; otherwise, it returns a #NUM! error.

Employing the DAYS Function (Excel 2013 and later):

Excel 2013 and later versions provide the DAYS function:

=DAYS(End Date, Start Date)

Similar to direct subtraction, it handles positive and negative differences.

Calculating Days from/to Today:

To calculate days since or until a specific date, use the TODAY() function:

• Days since a past date: =TODAY() - Past Date
• Days until a future date: =Future Date - TODAY()

Counting Working Days (excluding weekends):

The NETWORKDAYS function calculates working days, excluding weekends:

=NETWORKDAYS(Start Date, End Date, [Holidays])

The optional [Holidays] argument allows excluding specified holidays.

Using a Date & Time Wizard (Ablebits Tools):

For a simplified approach, consider using a Date & Time Wizard (such as the one from Ablebits Tools). This tool guides you through the process and offers various formatting options.

Downloadable Example:

Downloadable examples are available to further illustrate these methods. (Link to .xlsx file omitted as I cannot provide file downloads).

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