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How To Subtract Dates In Excel To Get Years

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Introduction

Subtracting dates in Excel to calculate the number of years between them is a common task that requires specific formulas and functions.

While Excel's date calculations rely on manual formula input and complex functions, there are more efficient solutions available for modern data analysis.

This guide will show you the Excel method, then demonstrate how Sourcetable's AI chatbot can instantly perform date calculations, generate visualizations, and analyze data of any size - try Sourcetable now to simplify your spreadsheet tasks.

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Subtract Dates in Excel to Get Years

Using the DATEDIF Function

To calculate the difference between two dates in years, use the DATEDIF function. The syntax is =DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, "y"). Ensure your start_date and end_date are in date format. The "y" parameter specifies the unit as years, returning the number of complete years between the two dates.

Calculating Age from Birthdate

For calculating age from a birthdate, combine the DATEDIF function with TODAY(). Use the formula =DATEDIF(birthdate, TODAY(), "y") to return a person's age in complete years from their birthdate to the current date.

Error Handling

When using the DATEDIF function, note that the "md" argument may yield inaccurate results. To ensure accuracy, use the "y" argument specifically for finding the difference in years.

Alternative Methods

While DATEDIF is the primary method, Excel also offers other functions for age-related calculations. The YEARFRAC and EDATE functions can be used for more complex date calculations involving years, but are not designed solely for calculating years as DATEDIF with the "y" argument does.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Use the DATEDIF function with the 'y' argument. For example, if your start date is in cell D2 and end date in E2, the formula would be: =DATEDIF(D2, E2, 'y')

What is the best Excel function to calculate someone's age in years?

The DATEDIF function is the most reliable method for calculating age in years. Set the birth date as the start date and use 'y' as the argument to return full years

Can I get both years and remaining months between two dates in Excel?

Yes, use DATEDIF twice: once with 'y' for full years and again with 'ym' for remaining months. The 'ym' argument returns the number of months remaining after the last full year

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