How To Calculate Months Between Two Dates In Excel

Calculating the months between two dates in Excel requires understanding date functions and arithmetic operations. This process involves using specific formulas that can handle the intricacies of calendar calculations.

In this guide, we'll cover the methods to compute this duration accurately, including the use of the DATEDIF function and more. We'll also explore why Sourcetable offers a more efficient approach to this common task, simplifying date calculations without complex formulas.

Calculate Months Between Two Dates in Excel

Using DATEDIF Function

Excel's DATEDIF function is designed to calculate the difference between two dates in days, weeks, months, or years. To compute the number of months, utilize the "m" argument within this function.

Formula Syntax

The syntax for the formula to calculate months between dates is =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, "m"). Replace start_date and end_date with your specific date values to get the number of complete months.

Steps for Calculation

Enter the start date and end date into two separate cells. In another cell, type the DATEDIF formula above, referencing the cells containing your dates. The formula returns the total months between the dates as an integer.

Considerations

Ensure start_date and end_date are in a recognizable date format for Excel. The "m" parameter in the DATEDIF function specifies the return of the full month count between dates. Note that DATEDIF is a hidden function not documented in Excel's official function list.

Best Practices

For accuracy, double-check your date entries. Employ clear and concise labels for ease of data recognition and ensure data is formatted consistently for reliable results. Consider using macros for repetitive DATEDIF calculations to save time.

Excel vs Sourcetable: Streamlined Data Analysis in a Modern Era

Excel, a Microsoft spreadsheet tool, is known for its robust data analysis and manipulation capabilities. However, Sourcetable introduces a modern approach to managing data with specialized features that distinguish it from Excel. With over 100 integrations, Sourcetable allows users to centralize and query data seamlessly, without requiring coding skills.

Unlike Excel, Sourcetable is designed with growth teams and business operations in mind, offering a more focused and streamlined solution for business intelligence. Its ability to build live models that automatically update ensures that data is always current, vastly improving efficiency in decision-making processes.

Sourcetable's AI copilot transcends traditional spreadsheet functions, providing on-the-fly assistance with formulas and templates. This innovative feature, absent in Excel, leverages a chat interface to simplify advanced data manipulation, making Sourcetable more accessible for teams of all skill levels.

While Excel requires add-ons and macros for extended functionality, Sourcetable's contemporary interface and integrations with multiple data services are ready-made for a variety of tasks. For businesses looking to move beyond traditional spreadsheet use, Sourcetable emerges as a compelling alternative, built for the demands of modern data management.

Streamline Date Calculations with Sourcetable

Calculating the months between two dates in Excel can be streamlined using Sourcetable's powerful AI capabilities. Its seamless integration with third-party tools ensures that you can access and analyze your real-time data efficiently within an interface designed for team collaboration. Sourcetable greatly simplifies time-bound data analysis.

Automate spreadsheet tasks, such as monthly reports, and get accurate answers to your formula and data questions with ease. Embrace the simplicity and intelligence of Sourcetable to enhance productivity in managing date calculations and more.

Experience the ease of spreadsheet automation and data queries with Sourcetable. Try Sourcetable today and witness the transformation in your data management processes.