How to Calculate Time Between Two Dates in Excel

Learn to efficiently calculate time between two dates in Excel with simple formulas and functions.

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To calculate the time between two dates in Excel, simply subtract one date from the other. Choose a cell and type `=EndDate - StartDate`, replacing `EndDate` and `StartDate` with the respective cell references containing the dates. For precise results, ensure both cells are formatted as dates. To display the difference as a number of days, leave the cell format as General. For details in months or years, use Excel's `DATEDIF` function: `=DATEDIF(StartDate, EndDate, "M")` for months and `=DATEDIF(StartDate, EndDate, "Y")` for years.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How do I calculate the difference between two dates in Excel? To calculate the difference between two dates in Excel, subtract the start date from the end date using the formula `=EndDate - StartDate`, ensuring both cells are date formatted.
  2. What formula do I use to find the number of months between two dates in Excel? Use the `DATEDIF` function with the formula `=DATEDIF(StartDate, EndDate, "M")` to calculate the number of months between two dates.
  3. Can I display the difference between two dates in years in Excel? Yes, you can display the difference in years by using the `DATEDIF` function with the formula `=DATEDIF(StartDate, EndDate, "Y")`.
  4. What format should date cells be in for accurate calculations in Excel? Ensure that both date cells are formatted as 'Date' in Excel for accurate calculations when subtracting dates or using the `DATEDIF` function.