How to Calculate Difference Between 2 Dates in Excel
Calculating the difference between two dates in Excel is a common task that can be easily accomplished with the help of built-in functions. Whether you are working on a project, analyzing data, or simply keeping track of time, understanding how to calculate the difference between two dates is essential. In this article, we will guide you through the process of calculating the difference between two dates in Excel using various methods.
Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Function
The DATEDIF function is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to calculate the difference between two dates. It can return the difference in years, months, days, or hours. To use the DATEDIF function, follow these steps:
1. Open your Excel workbook and select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the following formula: =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “Y”) for years, =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “M”) for months, =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “D”) for days, or =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, “h”) for hours.
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or date value of the first date, and “end_date” with the cell reference or date value of the second date.
4. Press Enter, and the difference between the two dates will be displayed in the selected cell.
Method 2: Using the INT and MOD Functions
If you want to calculate the difference between two dates in days, you can use the INT and MOD functions in combination. The INT function returns the integer part of a number, while the MOD function returns the remainder of a division operation. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open your Excel workbook and select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the following formula: =INT((end_date – start_date) / 1) + MOD(end_date – start_date, 1).
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or date value of the first date, and “end_date” with the cell reference or date value of the second date.
4. Press Enter, and the difference between the two dates in days will be displayed in the selected cell.
Method 3: Using the NETWORKDAYS Function
The NETWORKDAYS function is useful when you want to calculate the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and holidays. To use this function, follow these steps:
1. Open your Excel workbook and select the cell where you want to display the result.
2. Enter the following formula: =NETWORKDAYS(start_date, end_date, [holidays]).
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference or date value of the first date, and “end_date” with the cell reference or date value of the second date.
4. If you want to exclude specific holidays, enter the range of cells containing the holiday dates in the “[holidays]” argument.
5. Press Enter, and the number of working days between the two dates will be displayed in the selected cell.
By following these methods, you can easily calculate the difference between two dates in Excel. Whether you need to determine the number of days, months, or years between two dates, Excel has the tools to help you achieve your goal.
