How to Use the DATEDIF Function in Excel

This guide explains how to use DATEDIF Function in Excel, including its syntax, required arguments, practical examples, and common errors.

Description: The function calculates the number of days, months and years between two dates in Excel. Functions are useful in formulas for calculating age numbers.

Syntax: DATEDIF (start_date, end_date, unit)

Inside:

- start_date: The first day or representing the first period of time you want to calculate, the date can be entered as text string or as a serial number.

- end_date: The last day or represent the last period you want to count.

- unit: The type of information you want to return, including the following values:

+ unit = 'Y' -> Returns the number of years in the period.

+ unit = 'M' -> Returns the number of months in the time period.

+ unit = 'D' -> Returns the number of days in the period.

+ unit = 'MD' -> Returns the difference between start_date and end_date dates, regardless of the month and year.

+ unit = 'YM' -> Returns the difference between months in start_date and end_date , regardless of the day and year.

+ unit = 'YD' -> Returns the difference between dates in start_date and end_date , regardless of the year.

Attention:

- Date values are stored as serial numbers in Excel.

- DATEDIF function is very useful in calculating age.

For example:

1. Calculate time intervals based on criteria according to the table described below with Unit options.

- In the cell to calculate, enter the formula: DATEDIF (E7, F7, G7).

- Press Enter -> return value is:

- Similarly copying the formula for the remaining values results:

2. Use the DATEDIF function to calculate the age of the following employees:

- In the cell to calculate, enter the formula: = DATEDIF (G7, NOW (), "Y").

- Press Enter -> the employee's age is:

- Similarly copying the formula for the remaining values results:

Above are instructions and some specific examples when using the DATEDIF function .

Good luck!