Complete years
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End |
| 2 | 1/15/2020 | 3/20/2024 |
Formula: D2: =DATEDIF(A2,B2,"y")
Result: 4
From Jan 15, 2020 to Mar 20, 2024 is four complete years.
Google Sheets function
DATEDIF in Google Sheets
DATEDIF is documented in Google Sheets and appears in its function help, unlike Excel where it is a hidden legacy function.
Syntax (same in Google Sheets)
DATEDIF(start_date, end_date, unit)The units "Y", "M", "D", "MD", "YM" and "YD" are available.
For a fuller explanation of the arguments and common errors, see the DATEDIF Excel guide.
Worked examples in Google Sheets
Months left over
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End |
| 2 | 1/15/2020 | 3/20/2024 |
Formula: D2: =DATEDIF(A2,B2,"ym")
Result: 2
"ym" ignores years and counts the whole months after the last anniversary.
Readable duration
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End |
| 2 | 1/15/2020 | 3/20/2024 |
Formula: D2: =DATEDIF(A2,B2,"y")&" years, "&DATEDIF(A2,B2,"ym")&" months"
Result: 4 years, 2 months
Joins two DATEDIFs into one label.
Try it
A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.
Formula in F2: =DATEDIF(A2,B2,"m")
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End | Holiday | Time | Result | |
| 2 | 3/15/2026 | 6/20/2026 | 5/1/2026 | 14:45 | 3 | |
| 3 | 1/31/2026 | 2/28/2026 | 5/9/2026 | 09:30 | ||
| 4 | 12/24/2025 | 1/9/2026 |
Result in F2: 3
Frequently asked questions
- Is DATEDIF a supported function in Google Sheets?
- Yes, it is a listed function with its own help page, so it autocompletes and explains its units as you type.
Google Sheets is used here only as a descriptive product name. FormulaCamp is not affiliated with Google.