The NETWORKDAYS function is use to calculates the number of working days between two dates, automatically excluding:
- Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
- Custom holidays (if specified)
Syntax
NETWORKDAYS(start_date, end_date, [holidays])
Arguments
- start_date (required): First day of the period.
- end_date (required): Last day of the period.
- holidays (optional):
- A range of cells containing holiday dates
- An array of serial numbers (e.g., {« 1/1/2023 », « 12/25/2023 »})
Example
Assume that a project is planned to extend over the period from December 12, 2008, through June 2, 2009. You have to calculate the number of workdays in this timeframe, excluding holidays. The formula
=NETWORKDAYS(« 12/12/10″, »06/02/11 »,
{« 12/25/10″, »01/01/11″, »01/17/11″, »02/21/11 », « 05/30/2011″, »07/04/11 »})
returns 121 workdays for the project. Note that in the preceding formula, holidays are enclosed in braces and not in parentheses. The table below shows the calculation using cell references for the start date, end date, and holidays.
Key Features
- Inclusive Counting: Both start_date and end_date are counted if they are workdays.
- Holiday Handling: Excludes dates listed in the holidays argument.
- Error Cases: Returns #VALUE! for invalid dates or text entries.
Notes
- Alternative: Use NETWORKDAYS.INTL() for custom weekends (e.g., Friday-Saturday weekends).
- Tip: Name your holiday range (e.g., Holidays) for easier reference.
- Error Handling:
=IFERROR(NETWORKDAYS(Start, End, Holidays), « Check dates »)