# Excel NETWORKDAYS Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/excel/networkdays-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The NETWORKDAYS formula calculates working days between two dates, excluding weekends and specified holidays. ```excel =NETWORKDAYS(start_date, end_date, [holidays]) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the NETWORKDAYS you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula Need more than a single NETWORKDAYS formula? Try our free [AI for Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat. ## Parameters **`start_date`**:\ The date that marks the beginning of the period for which you want to calculate the number of working days. This can be a date value, a cell reference containing a date, or a formula that returns a date. **`end_date`**:\ The date that marks the end of the period for which you want to calculate the number of working days. This can also be a date value, a cell reference containing a date, or a formula that returns a date. **`[holidays]`**:\ An optional range of one or more dates that should be excluded from the working days calculation. This can be a range of cells containing holiday dates or an array of dates. If omitted, no holidays are considered. ## What is a NETWORKDAYS Formula in Excel? The *NETWORKDAYS* function in Excel is a useful tool that calculates the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and any specified holidays. This function is particularly beneficial for project management, scheduling, and time tracking, as it helps you determine the actual number of days available for work. In simpler terms, the NETWORKDAYS function helps you find out how many weekdays are available between two dates, making it easier to plan and manage timelines. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are managing a project and need to determine how many working days are available between the start and end dates of the project, considering any holidays. Here’s an example of the data you might have in an Excel spreadsheet: ### Project Timeline Table: | Start Date | End Date | Holidays | | - | - | - | | 01/01/2023 | 01/15/2023 | 01/02/2023 | | 01/16/2023 | 01/31/2023 | 01/20/2023 | You want to find the total number of working days for the first project timeline. ## NETWORKDAYS Formula To calculate the total working days for the first project timeline, you would use the NETWORKDAYS formula as follows: ```excel =NETWORKDAYS(A2, B2, C2) ``` ### Breakdown of the Formula: - **A2**: This is the start date of the project. - **B2**: This is the end date of the project. - **C2**: This is the range of holidays that should be excluded from the working days calculation. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the formula, it calculates the number of working days between January 1, 2023, and January 15, 2023, excluding January 2, 2023 (the holiday). The output would be: | Total Working Days | | - | | 10 | Here, the total working days are calculated as 10, considering that weekends and the specified holiday are excluded. ## Why Use NETWORKDAYS? The NETWORKDAYS function is particularly useful when you need to calculate the number of working days for project timelines, deadlines, or any scenario where understanding the available workdays is essential. It allows you to quickly assess timeframes without manually counting days. ## Key Takeaways: - **NETWORKDAYS**: Calculates the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and holidays. - **Efficient Time Management**: Helps you quickly determine available workdays for planning and scheduling. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for project management, deadline tracking, and any scenario where working days need to be calculated. Understanding how to use the NETWORKDAYS function can significantly enhance your project planning capabilities in Excel, enabling you to manage timelines effectively. Happy calculating! ## Example use case You have a project timeline where Column A contains the start dates of various tasks and Column B contains the end dates. You can use the NETWORKDAYS function to calculate the number of working days required to complete each task, excluding weekends and specified holidays. This helps in effective project management by providing a clear understanding of task durations and resource allocation, ensuring that deadlines are met without the need for complex date calculations. **Beyond the NETWORKDAYS function:** Better Analyst is a full [Excel AI](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. 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