Want to get in on a secret? The DATEDIF() Function is a well-kept secret in Excel. You will not find it in the list of Excel Functions. And, you will not find any documented Help for it from Microsoft! Amazing, because it is a great function to use. Be sure to bookmark this video, because this may be the only help that you get for the DATEDIF Function!
DATEDIF() has three required arguments: Start_Date, End_Date, Date Code.
Six Date Codes
- “Y” – Gives you the difference in “years” between the starting and ending dates.
- “M” – Gives you the difference in “months” between the starting and ending dates.
- “D” – Gives you the difference in “days” between the starting and ending dates.
- “YM” – Ignores the years and days to give you the difference in “months” between the starting and ending Months.
- “YD” – Ignores the years to give you the difference in “days” between the starting and ending Days and Months.
- “MD” – Ignores both the years and the months to give you the difference in “days” between the “day” of the Start_date and the “day” of the End_date.
You can add “clarifications” to the results by using the “&” (Ampersand) and a “text label.”
I use DATEDIF frequently – for example to find out a person’s exact age or to document the number of years an employee has been worked for you.
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How to Use the Undocumented DATEDIF Function in Excel [ 7:43 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (839)
Danny, I used the datedif() function for the first to number a monthly report. It worked perfectly once I added the quotations around the M.
Hi Mike – Thanks for your comment. Yes, the =DATEDIF() Function is handy. However, it is completely “Undocumented” in Excel. So, I am pleased that I could help you!
Danny Rocks