Net Working Days in Excel

In Excel, learn how to calculate the number of working days between two dates. In other words, do you want to count the number of working days between two dates, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays?

The NETWORKDAYS function can count the number of days between the Start Date and Stop Date. This function is part of the Analysis ToolPak that comes with Excel. The ToolPack is optional but can be installed at any time.

To install the Analysis ToolPak in Excel 2007 - do the following:

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button, then click Excel Options.
2. Click Add-Ins. In the Manage box, select Excel Add-ins.
3. Click Go.
4. In the Add-Ins available box, select the Analysis ToolPak check box, and then click OK.

To install the Analysis ToolPak in previous Excel versions - do the following:

1. Click the Tools Menu, then click Tools Add-ins.
2. Check the box for the Analysis ToolPak.
3. Click OK.

To use the NETWORKDAYS function - do the following (Excel 2007):

1. Select the cell where you want to see the number of days.
2. On the Formulas menu, select the option Insert Function.
3. Choose the category Date and Time.
4. Select the Net Workdays and click OK.
5. Enter Start Date and Stop Date. Importantly here, dates must be entered as the result of previous formulas or in the following format DATE(YEAR,MONTH,DAY)
6. Click OK

If holidays fall during the period you want to calculate (eg, bank holidays, christmas holidays, etc) you can put them in a separate field - just enter the cell range for the holiday similar to above.