Date & Time Last updated: 2026-08-20

DATEDIF Function in Excel & Google Sheets (Calculate Time Elapsed)

Calculate exact years, months, and days elapsed between two dates using the DATEDIF formula in Excel and Google Sheets.

Quick Answer & Formula

Excel Sheets Beginner

=DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit)

DATEDIF calculates elapsed time between two dates. For years: =DATEDIF(Start, End, "Y"). For remaining months: =DATEDIF(Start, End, "YM"). For remaining days: =DATEDIF(Start, End, "MD").

DATEDIF Function in Excel & Google Sheets

The DATEDIF function calculates completed time periods (years, months, days) between two calendar dates.

1. Calculating Age from Date of Birth

Assuming Birthdate is in cell B2:

=DATEDIF(B2, TODAY(), "Y") & " years old"

2. Complete Detailed Tenure String

=DATEDIF(A2, B2, "Y") & "y " & DATEDIF(A2, B2, "YM") & "m " & DATEDIF(A2, B2, "MD") & "d"

Example Output: "5y 8m 14d"

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get #NUM! in DATEDIF?

DATEDIF throws #NUM! if start_date is later than end_date. Ensure start_date <= end_date.