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How to calculate the days between two dates in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Date arithmeticExcel & Google Sheets
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Step by step
- 1Enter your start date in column A (e.g., A2) and your end date in column B (e.g., B2), both formatted as dates.
- 2In an empty cell, enter =B2-A2.
- 3If the result appears as a date, format the cell as a Number: right-click, Format Cells, Number.
- 4The result is the number of calendar days between the two dates.
- 5Alternatively, use the DAYS function: =DAYS(B2,A2) which is slightly more explicit and readable.
Tips
- Always ensure both cells are formatted as dates, not text. If subtraction gives a wrong number, use DATEVALUE() to convert text dates first.
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Frequently asked
Should I use =B2-A2 or =DAYS(B2,A2)?
Both return the same result. Simple subtraction is universally supported; DAYS() makes the intent clearer and is available in Excel 2013+ and all Google Sheets versions.
How do I get an absolute (positive) number of days regardless of order?
Wrap with ABS: =ABS(B2-A2) to ensure a positive result even if the start date is later than the end date.
More on Date arithmetic
See all →Reference
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Work with the current date and measure the gap between two dates.
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ReferenceDATEDIF
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