Intro
Discover how to easily calculate months between two dates in Excel with these 5 simple methods. Master date calculations, including DATEDIF, EDATE, and MONTH functions. Improve your spreadsheet skills and efficiently manage date ranges with these step-by-step tutorials. Learn to calculate elapsed months, quarters, and years with ease.
Calculating the months between two dates is a common task in data analysis, and Excel provides several ways to do this. In this article, we will explore five different methods to calculate the months between two dates in Excel.
Why Calculate Months Between Two Dates?
Calculating the months between two dates is useful in various scenarios, such as:
- Determining the duration of a project or a contract
- Calculating the age of a person or a company
- Analyzing the time gap between two events
- Creating a timeline for a project or a plan
Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Function
The DATEDIF function is a built-in Excel function that calculates the difference between two dates in a specified interval, such as days, months, or years.
The syntax of the DATEDIF function is:
DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit)
Where:
- start_date is the start date
- end_date is the end date
- unit is the interval (e.g., "M" for months)
Example:
=DATEDIF(A2, B2, "M")
Assuming A2 contains the start date and B2 contains the end date.
Method 2: Using the DATE Function
The DATE function can be used to calculate the months between two dates by subtracting the start date from the end date and then dividing by 30.
The syntax of the DATE function is:
DATE(year, month, day)
Where:
- year is the year
- month is the month
- day is the day
Example:
=((YEAR(B2)-YEAR(A2))*12 + MONTH(B2)-MONTH(A2))
Assuming A2 contains the start date and B2 contains the end date.
Method 3: Using the YEARFRAC Function
The YEARFRAC function returns the fraction of a year between two dates, which can be converted to months by multiplying by 12.
The syntax of the YEARFRAC function is:
YEARFRAC(start_date, end_date, [basis])
Where:
- start_date is the start date
- end_date is the end date
- basis is the basis of the calculation (optional)
Example:
=YEARFRAC(A2, B2)*12
Assuming A2 contains the start date and B2 contains the end date.
Method 4: Using the EOMONTH Function
The EOMONTH function returns the last day of the month, which can be used to calculate the months between two dates.
The syntax of the EOMONTH function is:
EOMONTH(start_date, months)
Where:
- start_date is the start date
- months is the number of months
Example:
=EOMONTH(A2, 0)-EOMONTH(B2, 0)
Assuming A2 contains the start date and B2 contains the end date.
Method 5: Using a Formula
A simple formula can be used to calculate the months between two dates by subtracting the start date from the end date and then dividing by 30.
Example:
=((B2-A2)/30)
Assuming A2 contains the start date and B2 contains the end date.
Gallery of Excel Date Functions
Excel Date Functions
Conclusion
Calculating the months between two dates is a common task in Excel, and there are several methods to do this. In this article, we explored five different methods, including using the DATEDIF function, the DATE function, the YEARFRAC function, the EOMONTH function, and a simple formula. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific requirements of the task. By using these methods, you can easily calculate the months between two dates in Excel and make your data analysis more efficient.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever struggled with calculating the months between two dates in Excel? Which method do you prefer? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!