# Google Sheets NETWORKDAYS Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/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 function calculates the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and specified holidays. ``` 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 ## 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. Similar to `start_date`, this can 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 considered as non-working days (holidays) in addition to the standard weekends. This can be a range of cells containing holiday dates or an array of dates. ## What is the NETWORKDAYS Function? The *NETWORKDAYS* function in Google Sheets is a useful tool that calculates the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and optionally specified holidays. This function is particularly helpful for project management, payroll calculations, and any scenario where you need to determine the number of business days between two dates. In simpler terms, NETWORKDAYS allows you to find out how many weekdays fall between two dates, helping you manage timelines and deadlines effectively. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are managing a project and need to calculate the number of working days between the project start date and end date: ### Project Timeline: | Task | Start Date | End Date | | - | - | - | | Task A | 2023-10-01 | 2023-10-10 | | Task B | 2023-10-05 | 2023-10-15 | You want to find out how many working days each task takes, excluding weekends. ## NETWORKDAYS Formula To achieve this, you would use the NETWORKDAYS function as follows: ``` =NETWORKDAYS(B2, C2) ``` In this formula: - `B2` is the cell containing the Start Date of the task. - `C2` is the cell containing the End Date of the task. If you want to exclude holidays, you can add a range of holiday dates as the third argument: ``` =NETWORKDAYS(B2, C2, Holidays!A:A) ``` In this case, `Holidays!A:A` would be the range where you have listed any holidays that should be excluded from the working days calculation. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the NETWORKDAYS formula to the Project Timeline, the output would look like this: | Task | Start Date | End Date | Working Days | | - | - | - | - | | Task A | 2023-10-01 | 2023-10-10 | 6 | | Task B | 2023-10-05 | 2023-10-15 | 7 | In this case, Task A has 6 working days, while Task B has 7 working days, as weekends are excluded from the count. ## Why Use NETWORKDAYS? NETWORKDAYS is beneficial because it simplifies the process of calculating working days, allowing you to focus on your project timelines without manually counting weekdays. It also provides the flexibility to account for holidays, making it a versatile tool for various business scenarios. ## Key Takeaways: - **NETWORKDAYS**: A function that calculates the number of working days between two dates, excluding weekends and optional holidays. - **Easy to Use**: Simplifies the process of counting weekdays, saving time and reducing errors. - **Holiday Exclusion**: Allows for the inclusion of holidays in the calculation, enhancing accuracy. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for project management, payroll calculations, and any scenario where tracking business days is necessary. NETWORKDAYS is an essential function for anyone managing timelines and deadlines in Google Sheets, providing a straightforward way to enhance productivity and efficiency. Happy spreadsheeting! ## Example use case You have a project timeline in a Google Sheet with start and end dates. By using the NETWORKDAYS formula, you can calculate the number of working days between these dates, helping you manage deadlines and allocate resources effectively without weekends or holidays. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Unprotect Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-unprotect-google-sheets) - [How To Wrap Text In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-wrap-text-in-google-sheets) - [Google Sheets Conditional Formatting](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/google-sheets-conditional-formatting) - [How To Add A Column In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-add-a-column-in-google-sheets) - [How To Alphabetize In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-alphabetize-in-google-sheets) - [How To Autofit In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-autofit-in-google-sheets) - [How To Calculate Percentage In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-calculate-percentage-in-google-sheets) - [How To Combine Two Columns In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-combine-two-columns-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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