Spreadsheet guide
Business days between dates Excel Google Sheets
Business days between dates Excel Google Sheets methods can work, but they depend on weekend and holiday settings. This guide highlights common pitfalls and shows when the calculator is faster and simpler.
Published: December 28, 2025 · Updated: December 28, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational only; no guarantees.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- Read the Privacy Policy; do not share sensitive data.
Quick answer: business days between dates Excel Google Sheets
- Spreadsheet functions can count workdays, but they need correct weekend and holiday settings.
- Missing holiday lists leads to overstated business days.
- The calculator is faster when you need custom weekends and preset holidays.
Common approaches
Spreadsheets often provide functions to count working days and add or subtract workdays. They typically exclude a default weekend and let you supply a holiday list. For non-standard weekends, some versions require extra parameters or helper formulas.
Pitfalls
- Forgetting to load a holiday list.
- Leaving the weekend pattern at Sat–Sun when it should be Fri–Sat or Sun-only.
- Not knowing whether start/end dates are included.
Small example
| Start | End | Weekend | Holidays | Business days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Mar | 08 Mar | Sat–Sun | None | 6 (include end) |
When to use the calculator
If you need quick results with custom weekends, preset holidays, and clear inclusion controls, the calculator is faster than building formulas. It also avoids sharing spreadsheet logic with every stakeholder.
Try it: business day calculator.
FAQ
How do spreadsheets count business days?
They use functions that remove weekends and holidays you specify.
What are common pitfalls?
Missing holiday lists, wrong weekend pattern, unclear inclusion.
Do I need a holiday list?
Yes if you want holidays excluded.
Can I use custom weekends?
Some functions allow it; otherwise use helpers or the calculator.
When should I use a calculator instead?
When you need speed, preset holidays, or sharing assumptions easily.
Is this guaranteed?
No. Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. This is educational. Confirm outputs before reporting.
Count business days fast
Skip spreadsheet setup: set weekends, holidays, and inclusion mode in the calculator and share the result.