In this article, we will demonstrate how to use the DATEDIF function to calculate the difference between two particular dates, whether in days, months, or years.
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Introduction to the DATEDIF Function
The DATEDIF function determines how many days, months, or years there are between two dates. It takes as arguments an initial date, a final date, and a unit that defines whether the difference will be in days, months or years.
- Generic Syntax
DATEDIF(start_date,end_date,unit)
- Argument Description
| ARGUMENT | REQUIREMENT | EXPLANATION |
|---|---|---|
| start_date | Required | The initial date or the beginning of a particular period. |
| end_date | Required | The final date of the particular period. |
| unit | Required | The type of information the formula should return. |
6 Suitable Examples Using the DATEDIF Function in Excel
Example 1 – Calculating the Difference Between Two Dates in Days
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"d")- Press Enter.
- The difference between the dates is returned in days unit.
- Drag the Fill Handle down to fill the rest of the cells in the column.
Read More: How to Use DATE Function in Excel (8 Examples)
Example 2 – Calculating the Difference Between Two Dates in Months
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"m")- Press Enter.
We have the difference in months unit.
- Drag the cursor down to fill the rest of the cells in the column.
Read More: How to Use Excel MONTH Function (6 Examples)
Example 3 – Calculating the Difference Between Two Dates in Years
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"y")- Press Enter.
The difference in years is returned.
- Drag the cursor down to Auto-fill the rest of the cells in the column.
Read More: How to Use YEAR Function in Excel (5 Examples)
Similar Reading
- Excel Current Time Formula (7 Suitable Examples)
- How to Use TIMEVALUE Function in Excel (4 Examples)
- Use TIME Function in Excel (8 Suitable Examples)
- How to Remove Time from Date in Excel (6 Approaches)
Example 4 – Estimating Differences in Days, Ignoring Months and Years
Now we will use the DATEDIF function to calculate the difference between two dates in days, ignoring the months and years.
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"md")- Press Enter.
The difference in days after ignoring the months and years is returned.
- Drag the cursor down to the last cell in the column.
Read More: How to Use DAYS Function in Excel (7 Examples)
Example 5 – Calculating the Difference in Months, Ignoring the Years
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"ym")- Press Enter.
The difference in months after ignoring the years is returned.
- Drag the cursor down to the last cell in the column.
Example 6 – Calculating the Difference in Days, Ignoring the Years
Steps:
- Click on cell D5 and enter the following formula:
=DATEDIF(B5,C5,"yd")- Press Enter.
The difference in days after ignoring the years is returned.
- Drag the cursor down to the last cell in the column.
Related Articles
- How to Use TODAY Function in Excel (6 Easy Examples)
- How to Use EDATE function in Excel (5 Simple Examples)
- Use DATEVALUE Function in Excel (6 Suitable Examples)
- How to Use the Excel DAYS Function with a Practical Example
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