5 Easy Ways To Calculate Months Between Two Dates In Excel

Calculating the number of months between two dates in Excel can be a common yet necessary task for anyone working with timelines, project deadlines, or financial forecasting. Knowing how to perform this calculation accurately will save you time and help you avoid potential errors in your data analysis. In this blog post, we're going to explore five easy ways to calculate months between two dates in Excel, along with tips, troubleshooting advice, and some common mistakes to avoid. So, let's dive right in! 📅

Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Function

The DATEDIF function is a hidden gem in Excel. Though it's not listed in the function wizard, it can calculate the difference between two dates in various units, including months. Here’s how to use it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select your Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result to appear.

2. Type the Formula: Enter the formula:

   =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, "m")
   

   Replace start_date and end_date with your actual dates or cell references.

3. Press Enter: Hit Enter, and voila! The number of months between the two dates will be displayed.

Example

If A1 contains 01/01/2021 and B1 contains 01/01/2023, your formula would look like this:

=DATEDIF(A1, B1, "m")

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">Using the DATEDIF function is a straightforward approach, but remember that it doesn't account for partial months. If you need to consider the extra days, you can change "m" to "ym" for remaining months after years.</p>

Method 2: Calculating with YEAR and MONTH Functions

Another approach to calculating the months between two dates is to use the YEAR and MONTH functions together.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select your Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result.
2. Type the Formula: Enter the formula:

   =YEAR(end_date) * 12 + MONTH(end_date) - (YEAR(start_date) * 12 + MONTH(start_date))
   

3. Press Enter: Hit Enter, and you will get the total months.

Example

If A1 contains 05/15/2020 and B1 contains 02/15/2023, use:

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

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">This method allows you to see the total months without worrying about complete years. It can be useful for various types of date analysis.</p>

Method 3: Using EDATE Function for End Date Calculation

The EDATE function can also help in determining if a certain number of months later a date will fall on a certain month.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select your Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result.
2. Type the Formula: Enter the formula:

   =DATEDIF(start_date, EDATE(start_date, months), "m")
   

   Here, months can be the difference in months you want to calculate.
3. Press Enter: After hitting Enter, you will see the calculated months.

Example

To find out how many months from January 2021 to January 2023:

=DATEDIF(A1, EDATE(A1, 24), "m")

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">This technique is useful when you need to evaluate future or past dates based on a starting date.</p>

Method 4: Using Network Days Function

The NETWORKDAYS function can calculate the number of working months between two dates but requires some tweaks.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select your Cell: Click on the cell where you want the result.
2. Type the Formula: Enter the formula:

   =NETWORKDAYS(start_date, end_date) / 30
   

3. Press Enter: After pressing Enter, the calculated months will appear.

Example

For calculating working months between A1 (01/01/2021) and B1 (01/01/2023):

=NETWORKDAYS(A1, B1) / 30

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">Keep in mind that this method approximates months based on working days, which may not fit every context.</p>

Method 5: Using the MONTHS Function (Excel 365)

If you are using Excel 365, you can leverage the MONTHS function. This function makes it incredibly easy to calculate months directly.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select your Cell: Click on the cell for the result.
2. Type the Formula: Enter:

   =MONTHS(start_date, end_date)
   

3. Press Enter: Hit Enter, and the result is right there.

Example

For A1 (03/01/2020) and B1 (08/01/2023):

=MONTHS(A1, B1)

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">The MONTHS function is straightforward and user-friendly for anyone using the latest Excel versions.</p>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Date Format: Always check that your dates are in the correct format recognized by Excel.
2. Using DATEDIF Incorrectly: Ensure the start date is before the end date to avoid errors.
3. Ignoring Partial Months: Be clear on whether you want to count partial months or just whole months.
4. Not Accounting for Leap Years: If you are calculating dates spanning several years, remember that February can have an extra day.

Troubleshooting Issues

• If you encounter errors like #VALUE!, it usually indicates that one or both dates are not properly formatted.
• If your results seem off, double-check the actual dates being referenced in your formulas.
• Make sure your Excel version supports the functions you're trying to use, particularly the MONTHS function.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I calculate months between dates in different years?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, all the methods mentioned can calculate months between dates that span different years.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if one of the dates is in the future?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The methods will still work as long as you input the correct future date format.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any specific Excel versions needed for these functions?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most methods work on all modern versions, but the MONTHS function requires Excel 365.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What happens if I input invalid dates?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You will receive a #VALUE! error, indicating the input dates need to be corrected.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In conclusion, calculating months between two dates in Excel does not have to be complex. With methods like DATEDIF, YEAR and MONTH functions, EDATE, NETWORKDAYS, and the new MONTHS function for Excel 365 users, you can choose the best option that fits your needs. Remember to pay attention to date formats and understand if you need to count partial months or not. So, dive into Excel, practice these techniques, and watch your date calculations become a breeze!

<p class="pro-note">📊 Pro Tip: Experiment with different date scenarios to better understand how each method impacts your calculations!</p>