5 Ways To Calculate Months Between Two Dates In Excel

Calculating the number of months between two dates in Excel is a common task, whether for budgeting, project management, or scheduling. Excel offers several powerful functions to accomplish this, each with its nuances and best practices. Let’s explore 5 effective methods to calculate the months between two dates, along with tips and troubleshooting advice to ensure accurate results.

Understanding Date Functions in Excel

Before diving into the methods, it’s essential to grasp how Excel interprets dates. Excel treats dates as serial numbers, meaning January 1, 1900, is 1, and every subsequent day increases this number. This allows for straightforward calculations but can lead to confusion if you’re not familiar with the date formatting.

Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Function

The DATEDIF function is a hidden gem in Excel, specifically designed for calculating the difference between two dates. Here’s how to use it:

Syntax

DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit)

• start_date: The beginning date.
• end_date: The end date.
• unit: A string that specifies the time unit to return. Use "M" for months.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Enter your dates into two cells, say A1 (start date) and B1 (end date).
2. In another cell, type the formula:

   =DATEDIF(A1, B1, "M")
   

3. Press Enter. The result will display the total months between the two dates.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">Make sure that the start date is before the end date; otherwise, the function will return an error.</p>

Method 2: Using the MONTH and YEAR Functions

If you prefer a more manual approach, you can utilize the MONTH and YEAR functions:

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Enter your dates in cells A1 and B1.
2. Use the following formula in another cell:

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

3. Press Enter. This will calculate the number of months by breaking it down into years and months.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method accurately calculates the total months, but ensure both dates are valid Excel date formats.</p>

Method 3: Using the EDATE Function

The EDATE function can help to determine the number of months between two dates by generating a future date.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Input your start date in A1 and end date in B1.
2. In another cell, type:

   =DATEDIF(A1, EDATE(A1, 12), "M")
   

   Adjust the "12" to how many months ahead you wish to calculate.
3. Press Enter to see the months difference.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">The EDATE function may require a date reference, so ensure your start date is valid.</p>

Method 4: Using NetworkDays Function

If you’re working with business days and want to calculate the months excluding weekends or holidays, the NETWORKDAYS function might come in handy.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Put your start and end dates in A1 and B1.
2. Use this formula:

   =NETWORKDAYS(A1, B1)/21.75
   

   Note: Assuming an average month has about 21.75 working days.
3. Press Enter for the result.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method provides an average and may not be precise for exact month calculations.</p>

Method 5: Simple Manual Calculation

If you prefer a simple calculation without formulas, here’s how:

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Identify the months in each date.
2. Subtract the starting month from the ending month.
3. Add 12 times the difference in years if the end date year is higher.

For example, if A1 is January 2020 and B1 is June 2021, the calculation would be:

• From January 2020 to January 2021 = 12 months
• From January 2021 to June 2021 = 5 months

Total = 12 + 5 = 17 months.

Important Note

<p class="pro-note">This method is prone to errors without careful tracking, especially across year boundaries.</p>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Date Formats: Ensure dates are in a recognized Excel format; otherwise, calculations may fail.
2. Incorrect Function Usage: Be sure you are using the appropriate function for your specific need.
3. End Date Before Start Date: This can lead to errors in calculations; always check your dates.

Troubleshooting Issues

• #NUM! Error: This usually occurs in DATEDIF if the start date is after the end date.
• Wrong Results: Check if the cells are formatted as dates, not text, and verify the function’s syntax.
• Incorrect Month Count: Make sure you’re accounting for all months correctly; sometimes, user errors in manual calculations can lead to confusion.

<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 specified units, such as days, months, or years.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I calculate months excluding weekends?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use the NETWORKDAYS function in combination with other functions to exclude weekends or holidays.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What happens if I enter the end date before the start date?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You will receive a #NUM! error in functions like DATEDIF. Always ensure your dates are in the correct order.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to calculate partial months?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use the DATEDIF function to get the total months and then manually calculate the difference in days to get a more precise figure.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What format should my dates be in?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Excel recognizes dates in formats like MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY, depending on your regional settings. Make sure they are not in text format.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Recapping everything we’ve covered, calculating months between two dates in Excel can be done using various methods like DATEDIF, MONTH/YEAR combination, EDATE, NETWORKDAYS, or even manual calculations. Remember to avoid common mistakes such as incorrect date formats and ensure you understand each method's subtleties.

Practice using these functions, and don't hesitate to explore further tutorials to enhance your Excel skills. Happy calculating!

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Always format your date cells correctly to prevent calculation errors!</p>