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DATEDIF
A medium date difference formula for calculating age or elapsed time between two dates.
Syntax
=DATEDIF(...)Step-by-step explanation
- 1Use a date or time formula when the result should update automatically.
- 2Place the function in the cell where you need a live date or time value.
- 3Format the cell if needed so the output is easy to read.
Common mistakes
Choosing the wrong unit code
Expecting it to behave like a standard date function
Using text dates that Excel cannot parse
Example table
A quick scenario to connect the syntax to the result.
| 12 | 18 |
| 8 | 68 |
Formula
=DATEDIF(A1:B2)
Result
68
Worked example
- 1Read the sample data first so you know what the formula needs to solve.
- 2Enter =DATEDIF(A1:B2) in the result cell and press Enter.
- 3Check that the output matches 68.
Practice area
Use DATEDIF when you need a full difference in years, months, or days.
Match against the syntax block above.