How To Calculate Number Of Months In Excel

Introduction

Excel offers a range of date and time functions to calculate the number of months between two dates, pivotal for project planning, financial forecasting, and tracking milestones. Understanding how to leverage these functions requires familiarity with Excel formulas and syntax.

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Calculate Number of Months in Excel

Using DATEDIF Function

To find the total number of months between two dates, the DATEDIF function is recommended. With the syntax =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, "m"), Excel counts the months between the dates, excluding the start date. For overdue calculations, the formula =DATEDIF(A2, TODAY(), "m") - 1 provides the past due month count. To include status, use =IF(EDATE(A2, 1) > TODAY(), "on track", DATEDIF(A2, TODAY(), "m") - 1) for future date tracking.

Utilizing YEARFRAC Function

The YEARFRAC function serves as an alternative, outputting decimal months between two dates with =YEARFRAC(start_date, end_date). The result may need rounding or multiplying by 12 to convert it to a whole month count if required.

Combining YEAR and MONTH Functions

For cases where the precise number of months is needed, even if only days apart, combine YEAR and MONTH functions with the formula =(YEAR(end_date) - YEAR(start_date)) * 12 + (MONTH(end_date) - MONTH(start_date)). This provides an exact month difference, factoring in partial months.

Considering DATEDIF Future Availability

While the DATEDIF function is currently available, Microsoft warns it might not be supported in future Excel versions, urging users to consider other methods for longevity.

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