5 Easy Ways To Calculate Months Between Two Dates In Excel

Calculating the number of months between two dates in Excel might seem a bit tricky, but once you know the right techniques, it can actually be quite straightforward! Whether you're working on project timelines, financial projections, or personal scheduling, mastering date calculations in Excel is an essential skill. In this guide, we’ll cover five easy methods to calculate the months between two dates, along with tips for avoiding common mistakes and troubleshooting issues. Let’s dive in! 📅

Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Function

The DATEDIF function is a hidden gem in Excel. It’s designed specifically for calculating the difference between two dates. To use it to find the number of months:

1. Enter your dates: Put your start date in cell A1 and your end date in cell B1.
2. Input the DATEDIF formula: In cell C1, enter the following formula:

   =DATEDIF(A1, B1, "m")
   

   • This tells Excel to calculate the difference in complete months between the two dates.
3. Press Enter: You’ll see the number of months displayed in cell C1.

Example:

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">Keep in mind that DATEDIF will only count complete months. If your end date is earlier in the month than your start date, it won't count that partial month.</p>

Method 2: Calculating Using YEAR and MONTH Functions

If you prefer to break things down further, you can use the YEAR and MONTH functions to calculate the months between two dates. Here’s how:

1. Enter your dates: Similar to before, put your start date in cell A1 and your end date in cell B1.
2. Input the formula: In cell C1, use:

   =12*(YEAR(B1)-YEAR(A1)) + (MONTH(B1)-MONTH(A1))
   

   • This formula calculates the difference in years and then converts that to months, adding the remaining months together.
3. Press Enter: The total number of months will appear in cell C1.

Example:

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method includes both complete and partial months, so if you want to avoid including any partial months, consider rounding down the results.</p>

Method 3: Using NETWORKDAYS Function

If you are interested in business days or working months, the NETWORKDAYS function can also be useful in the right context. Here’s how:

1. Enter your dates: Start date in A1 and end date in B1.
2. Input the formula: In cell C1, use:

   =NETWORKDAYS(A1, B1)
   

   • This calculates the number of working days between the two dates, which can help for fiscal calculations.
3. Divide by average working days per month: You can then divide this by 22 (average working days in a month):

   =NETWORKDAYS(A1, B1)/22
   

Example:

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">Remember, this method is more focused on the working days rather than the calendar months. It's useful for businesses where only working days are counted.</p>

Method 4: Using EDATE Function

Another way to calculate the difference between dates is by using the EDATE function. This method is particularly useful if you want to add or subtract months from a date.

1. Enter your dates: Input your start date in A1 and end date in B1.
2. Calculate the months to add: In cell C1, you can use:

   =DATEDIF(A1, B1, "m") + IF(DAY(B1) >= DAY(A1), 0, -1)
   

   • This counts the number of complete months, adding a condition to check if the day of the end date is before the start date.
3. Press Enter: The total number of months will be displayed.

Example:

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This formula accounts for partial months and adjusts accordingly. Be cautious with the day comparisons to ensure accurate results!</p>

Method 5: Utilizing DATE Function for Manual Calculation

For those who like manual calculations, you can create your own formula using the DATE function.

1. Enter your dates: Again, start date in A1 and end date in B1.
2. Input the formula: In cell C1, you can use:

   =YEAR(B1) * 12 + MONTH(B1) - (YEAR(A1) * 12 + MONTH(A1))
   

   • This manual formula calculates the months by converting the dates into a single value based on months.
3. Press Enter: You'll get the total months between the two dates.

Example:

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">While manual calculations can be empowering, they’re also prone to human error, so double-check your formulas!</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the DATEDIF function?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The DATEDIF function calculates the difference between two dates in various units, such as years, months, or days.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can Excel calculate partial months?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, methods like YEAR & MONTH or EDATE can be used to account for partial months based on your specific needs.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why should I avoid using the TODAY() function?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Using TODAY() can lead to changing results each day; it's better to use fixed dates for consistency.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I troubleshoot errors in date calculations?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Check for formatting issues, ensure your dates are valid, and verify that your formulas are correctly written.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

As we’ve seen, calculating months between two dates in Excel can be tackled in several ways, each suited for different needs. Whether you prefer built-in functions like DATEDIF or manual methods, the key is to choose the right approach for your specific situation.

To wrap it up, practice these techniques and get comfortable with them. Explore the various functionalities of Excel further, and don’t hesitate to check out other tutorials to deepen your understanding. Happy Excel-ing! 🎉

<p class="pro-note">📌Pro Tip: Always double-check your date formats to ensure accurate calculations!</p>