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Quick Answer

NETWORKDAYS Function

Counts workdays between two dates.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel All versions

Syntax

NETWORKDAYS
(start_date, end_date, [holidays])

Parameters

ParameterDescriptionRequired
start_dateThe first date of the period.Required
end_dateThe last date of the period. Both start and end dates are counted.Required
holidaysOptional range or array of dates to exclude as non-working days.Optional

Basic Example

Workdays in January 2024

=NETWORKDAYS(DATE(2024, 1, 1), DATE(2024, 1, 31))
Result23

January 2024 has 31 days; after removing the 4 Saturdays and 4 Sundays, 23 weekdays remain. Both endpoints are included.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Excluding a holiday

Counting workdays with one mid-month holiday

The holiday reduces the count by one

=NETWORKDAYS(DATE(2024, 1, 1), DATE(2024, 1, 31), {"2024-01-15"})
Result: 22
Jan 15 2024 is a Monday workday, so removing it leaves 22 workdays.

Example 2: Reversed dates give a negative count

Accidentally swapping start and end

When start is after end, the result is negative

=NETWORKDAYS(DATE(2024, 1, 31), DATE(2024, 1, 1))
Result: -23
With the start later than the end, NETWORKDAYS returns the negative of the count, here -23.

How NETWORKDAYS Works

NETWORKDAYS counts every day from start_date through end_date, subtracts Saturdays and Sundays, and then subtracts any dates found in the holidays list. Both endpoints are included in the count.

1
Enter the start and end dates
Supply the period boundaries as date serials.
2
Optionally list holidays
Pass a range or array of holiday dates to exclude.
3
Read the workday count
The function returns an integer.

Important Notes & Limitations

  • Only Saturday and Sunday weekends are supported; use NETWORKDAYS.INTL for custom weekend days.

  • Both endpoints are counted, which differs from WORKDAY's behavior.

  • If start_date is after end_date, the result is negative.

Common Errors & Fixes

#VALUE!A non-date argument or a holiday Excel cannot read as a date.

Fix: Ensure all date arguments are real date serials.

Negative count unexpectedlyThe start date is later than the end date.

Fix: Put the earlier date first (start_date, end_date).

Download Practice File

Practice NETWORKDAYS with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the NETWORKDAYS function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Tutorials

Calculate Days Between Two Dates

Calculate days between two dates in Excel and Google Sheets with DAYS, DATEDIF, and NETWORKDAYS. Learn which formula counts total, working, or elapsed days and how to skip weekends.

Count Working Days Between Dates in Excel

Count working days between dates with NETWORKDAYS, NETWORKDAYS.INTL and WORKDAY in Excel and Google Sheets. Covers holidays, custom weekends and reverse dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both the start and end dates counted?
Yes, NETWORKDAYS includes both endpoints, unlike WORKDAY which excludes the start.
How do I use a custom weekend?
Use NETWORKDAYS.INTL, which accepts a weekend code or 7-character string.
What if start is after end?
The result is the negative of the workday count.