Excel Function

DATEDIF

Returns difference between dates in selected unit.

DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit)

Arguments

start_date

Required

Enter a date/reference-related value.

end_date

Required

Enter a date/reference-related value.

unit

Required

Set DATEDIF unit: "Y" years, "M" months, "D" days, plus "MD", "YM", "YD".

Practice Preview

Use DATEDIF to return the number of days from cell B2 (Start Date in column B) to cell C2 (End Date in column C) using unit "D".

Example Table

#	ATask ID	BStart Date	CEnd Date	DNotes	EHoliday
2	T001	2026/03/01	2026/03/05	Standard task	2026/03/03
3	T002	2026/03/03	2026/03/10	Priority task	2026/03/06
4	T003	2026/03/05	2026/03/12	Standard task	2026/03/10
5	T004	2026/03/08	2026/03/14	Urgent task	2026/03/12
6
7
8

How to Use (Formula)

=DATEDIF(B2, C2, "D")

Result

Practice This Function

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DATEDIF FAQ

How do I use DATEDIF in Excel?

Use DATEDIF when you want to calculate the difference between dates. Enter Start date, End date, Unit in that order, then add optional arguments when needed.

Where can I practice DATEDIF?

Use the "Start Function Practice" button to jump straight into DATEDIF drills.

What arguments does DATEDIF use?

The main arguments are Start date, End date, Unit. Enter them in order.