5 Ways To Calculate Months Between Dates In Excel

Working with dates in Excel can be a bit tricky, but calculating the number of months between two dates is a common task that can be accomplished in several ways. In this article, we will explore five methods to calculate the number of months between dates in Excel.

The Importance of Calculating Months Between Dates

Calculating the number of months between dates is a crucial task in various industries, including finance, accounting, and project management. It can help you determine the duration of a project, calculate interest rates, or analyze sales trends. With the right techniques, you can easily perform this calculation in Excel and make informed decisions.

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. To calculate the number of months between two dates using the DATEDIF function, follow these steps:

1. Enter the start date in cell A1 and the end date in cell B1.
2. Use the following formula: =DATEDIF(A1, B1, "M")

This formula will return the number of months between the two dates.

Method 2: Using the MONTH and YEAR Functions

Another way to calculate the number of months between dates is by using the MONTH and YEAR functions. This method involves calculating the difference in months between the two dates by subtracting the start year and month from the end year and month.

1. Enter the start date in cell A1 and the end date in cell B1.
2. Use the following formula: =(YEAR(B1) - YEAR(A1)) * 12 + MONTH(B1) - MONTH(A1)

This formula will return the number of months between the two dates.

Method 3: Using the EOMONTH Function

The EOMONTH function returns the last day of the month, which can be used to calculate the number of months between dates. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Enter the start date in cell A1 and the end date in cell B1.
2. Use the following formula: =(EOMONTH(B1, 0) - EOMONTH(A1, 0)) / 30

This formula will return the number of months between the two dates.

Method 4: Using VBA

If you prefer to use VBA, you can create a custom function to calculate the number of months between dates. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Visual Basic Editor by pressing Alt + F11 or by navigating to Developer > Visual Basic.
2. In the Editor, click Insert > Module to create a new module.
3. Paste the following code:

Function MonthsBetweenDates(startDate As Date, endDate As Date) As Long
    MonthsBetweenDates = (DateDiff("m", startDate, endDate))
End Function

4. Save the module and return to your Excel sheet.
5. Enter the start date in cell A1 and the end date in cell B1.
6. Use the following formula: =MonthsBetweenDates(A1, B1)

This formula will return the number of months between the two dates.

Method 5: Using Power Query

Power Query is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to manipulate and analyze data. To calculate the number of months between dates using Power Query, follow these steps:

1. Enter the start date in cell A1 and the end date in cell B1.
2. Go to the Data tab and click on New Query > From Other Sources > Blank Query.
3. In the Query Editor, click on Add Column > Custom Column.
4. Use the following formula: =Date.From(DateTime.From(B1)) - Date.From(DateTime.From(A1))
5. Click OK and return to your Excel sheet.

This formula will return the number of months between the two dates.

Gallery of Calculating Months Between Dates

Gallery of Calculating Months Between Dates

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to calculate the number of months between dates in Excel. Whether you prefer to use built-in functions, VBA, or Power Query, there's a method that suits your needs. Try out these methods and explore the world of date calculations in Excel!