How to Use the DAYS Function in Excel

Summary: Dive deep into the functionalities of the DAYS function in Microsoft Excel, a vital tool designed for those keen on precise date-related calculations. This tutorial, crafted especially for tech-savvy data analysts, offers a structured walkthrough on how to adeptly utilize the DAYS function in your data analysis tasks.

Step 1: Open Excel

• Start by launching Microsoft Excel on your computer.

Step 2: Choose a Cell

• Click on the cell where you'd like to display the result of the DAYS function.

Step 3: Input the DAYS Formula

• In the chosen cell, type the following formula:

  =DAYS(end_date, start_date)

  Here, replace "end_date" with the later date and "start_date" with the earlier date for your calculation.

Step 4: Execute the Formula

• After inputting the formula, press the Enter key. The cell will now display the exact number of days between the two specified dates.

Step 5: Implement an Example

• For instance, if you're interested in determining the number of days between August 1, 2023, and August 9, 2023, your formula should look like:

  =DAYS("2023-08-09", "2023-08-01")

Step 6: Examine the Result

• The cell will showcase the computed number of days. In the given example, you'll see the number "8".

Conclusion: The DAYS function in Excel provides an efficient means to calculate the interval between two dates. Through the steps outlined in this guide, you're equipped to embed this function seamlessly into your data analysis practices.The DAYS function is available across multiple editions of Microsoft Excel, such as Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, and Microsoft 365.