Calculating Date Differences in Excel - Easily Determine Date Intervals

In Excel data processing, you often find the need to calculate date differences. Unsure of which functions to use? Join us at ExcelWizard.com to explore how to calculate the interval between two dates in Excel effortlessly.

Here's how to subtract dates, months, and years in Excel, explained by ExcelWizard.com. Follow along for a clear understanding.

Determining Date Intervals in Excel Made Simple

Direct Date Subtraction

Assuming A1 represents the start date and B1 represents the end date, you can directly subtract dates by entering the formula =B1-A1. The result will be the number of days. In Microsoft Excel, each date is stored as a unique serial number starting from 1, representing January 1, 1900.

Subtracting Dates Using DATEDIF Function

Another method to subtract dates is by using the DATEDIF function with the syntax:

=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, 'd')

Note: end_date must be greater than start_date or else the function will error.

Subtracting Dates Using DATE Function

Using the DATE function is slightly more complex. The formula for the DATE function is as follows:

=DATE(year1, month1, day1)-DATE(year, month, day)

For example, subtracting dates: 5/13/2019 from 5/22/2019.

Subtracting Dates from the Current Date

To subtract dates from the current date for the date in cell A1, use TODAY() instead of the current date, and you can also subtract directly using the formula:

=TODAY() – A1

Note: Ensure that the cell containing the formula =TODAY() – A1 is formatted as Number.

Alternatively, you can use the DATEDIF function as follows:

=DATEDIF(A1,TODAY(),'d')

Calculating Distance in Weeks

To calculate the distance in weeks, use the DATEDIF function with the following syntax:

=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date,'d')/7

Calculating Distance in Months

Calculating Distance in Months using the DATEDIF function with the following syntax:

=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, 'm')

Example:

Calculating Distance in Years

Using the DATEDIF function to calculate the distance in years with the syntax:

=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, 'y')

Example:

Thus, here at ExcelTips.com, we've shared with you how to calculate the distance between two dates in Excel, calculating distances in weeks, months, and years. We hope you understand and apply these calculations accordingly. Wishing you success!