Cellwise

Dates function

Excel DAYS function

DAYS returns the number of days between two dates. Use it to measure how long a task took, how many days an order took to ship, or how long until a launch.

fx=DAYS(end_date, start_date)

Arguments

end_date
The later date. It comes first.
start_date
The earlier date.

DAYS examples

Every result below was calculated live from this sample sheet.

ABC
1TaskStartFinish
2Site survey2026-11-022026-11-06
3Design2026-11-092026-12-18
4Build2026-12-212027-03-31
  1. fx=DAYS(C3,B3)

    Result: 39

    The design phase ran for 39 days.

  2. fx=DAYS(C4,B2)

    Result: 149

    From the first start to the last finish, the whole project spans 149 days.

  3. fx=DAYS(B3,C3)

    Result: -39

    Swap the order and you get a negative number: -39.

  4. fx=DAYS(C4,TODAY())

    Result: today’s date-based value

    Days from today until the build finishes. It counts down each day.

How to use DAYS

  1. Click the cell for the result.
  2. Type =DAYS( and click the later date first.
  3. Type a comma and click the earlier date.
  4. Press Enter.

Common DAYS mistakes

Putting the start date first

DAYS takes the end date first. Reversed dates give a negative number.

Expecting it to count both days

DAYS counts the gap, so Monday to Friday is 4. Add 1 if you need both ends included.

Wanting working days only

DAYS counts weekends too. Use NETWORKDAYS for Monday to Friday only.

DAYS FAQ

How do I calculate the number of days between two dates in Excel?

Use =DAYS(end,start), or simply subtract: =C2-B2. Both give the same number of days.

How do I count only business days between two dates?

Use NETWORKDAYS. It skips Saturdays and Sundays and can skip a list of holidays.

Why does my days-between formula show a date?

The result cell has a date format. Change it to General or Number.

Guides that use DAYS

Related functions

Updated 2026-10-31