How To Subtract Dates in Excel
Jan 15, 2025
Do you need to quickly subtract dates in Excel?
Subtracting dates in Excel can help you calculate the days, months, or years between two dates. It can also determine workdays and track project timelines. The good news? Excel makes it surprisingly simple, with built-in formulas and tools that do the heavy lifting for you.
In this post, we’ll break down step-by-step how to subtract dates in Excel like a pro.
Direct Subtraction in Excel
Before we begin, you should ensure your dates are formatted correctly as dates (date format not text). Incorrect formatting can lead to Excel errors. You can easily check and change cell formats in the Format Cells dialog box.
Now, the simplest way to subtract dates is by using a basic formula.
Steps:
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Enter the start date in one cell (e.g., A1).
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Enter the end date in another cell (e.g., B1).
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Use the formula =B1-A1 to calculate the difference in days.
Including start and end dates:
To include both dates, use =B1-A1+1.
Read more: How to Use the EDATE function in Excel.
Using the DATEDIF Function
The DATEDIF function is more advanced than the basic formula in the previous example. This date function offers more flexibility for calculating differences in days, months, or years.
Syntax:
=DATEDIF(Start_Date, End_Date, Unit)
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Units:
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"D": Total days
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"M": Complete months
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"Y": Complete years
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"MD": Days, ignoring months and years
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"YM": Months, ignoring years
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"YD": Days, ignoring years
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Example:
Note: DATEDIF is not listed in Excel’s function library but works perfectly when typed manually.
Calculating Workdays with NETWORKDAYS
If you need to exclude weekends and holiday dates, the NETWORKDAYS function should be your go-to solution.
Syntax:
=NETWORKDAYS(Start_Date, End_Date, [Holidays])
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Start_Date: The earlier date.
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End_Date: The ending date.
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[Holidays]: An optional range of dates to exclude (e.g., public holidays).
Example:
Note: The formula calculates the number of workdays (Monday through Friday) between the start date (01/01/2025) and the end date (01/15/2025), excluding weekends and any holidays specified in the range C1:C1.
Advanced Techniques for Subtracting Dates in Excel
When subtracting dates in Excel, some complex situations may require more advanced techniques. Below are two powerful methods to enhance your date-handling skills.
Calculating elapsed time.
To calculate differences in hours, minutes, or seconds, include time in your date values and adjust the formula accordingly. Here’s how you can achieve this:
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Input date and time: Ensure your cells contain both date and time (e.g., 01/01/2025 10:00 AM).
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Use direct subtraction: Subtract one cell from another (e.g., =B2-A2).
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Format Result: Format the resulting cell as "Custom" and set it to hh:mm:ss for hours, minutes, and seconds.
This approach is great for tracking task durations or measuring time intervals.
Using the TODAY function.
For dynamic calculations that update automatically, use the TODAY() function. This date function returns the current date without the time component.
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Days since a specific date: Subtract a past date from TODAY() (e.g., =TODAY()-A1).
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Dynamic updates: The formula updates daily to reflect the current date.
Example:
Read more: How to convert numbers to date in Excel.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
When working with date subtraction in Excel, several issues can arise that may disrupt calculations. Here’s a detailed look at common problems and their solutions to ensure smooth operations.
1. Date format issues.
Ensure dates are properly formatted. Use the Format Cells option to set cells to “Date” format.
2. Error values.
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#VALUE!: Occurs if the date is stored as text.
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#NUM!: Occurs when using an invalid date or formula.
Fix: Convert text to dates using DATEVALUE or re-enter the values.
Final Thoughts on "How To Subtract Dates in Excel"
Date subtraction in Excel is necessary for tasks such as tracking your project's scheduled date, calculating workdays, analyzing timelines, etc. With tools like DATEDIF, NETWORKDAYS, and simple subtraction formulas, you can handle even complex date calculations effortlessly. Practice these techniques to manage any date-related task with confidence and precision.
For more easy-to-follow Excel guides and the latest Excel Templates, visit Simple Sheets and the related articles section of this blog post.
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FAQ on "How To Subtract Dates in Excel"
1. Why is my date subtraction formula showing a #VALUE! error?
This usually happens when your dates are formatted as text instead of actual dates. To fix this, select the cells, right-click, and choose Format Cells > Date. You can also use the DATEVALUE function to convert text into date values.
2. Can I subtract dates to calculate only workdays?
Yes! Use the NETWORKDAYS function to calculate the number of workdays between two dates. You can also add a list of holidays to exclude them from the calculation by specifying a range in the formula.
3. How do I calculate the time difference in hours, minutes, or seconds?
Include both date and time in your cells (e.g., 01/01/2025 10:00 AM). Subtract the start time from the end time and format the result as "Custom" with the format hh:mm:ss to display hours, minutes, and seconds.
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