My simple NETWORKDAYS is not correct. I'm stumped. :(

cderosa39041

Trying to figure out what I'm doing wrong here. I want to calculate the number of work days between two dates.

My formula: =NETWORKDAY([Start Date1]5, [End Date1]5)

It returns 62, but should be more like 86. What am I doing wrong here?

Joanna Waligora

Using the dates you referenced in your graphic...

Apr 6, 2020 to Jun 30, 2020

and doing things the brute way by just looking at a calendar, this period contains 12 full weeks plus 2 extra work days.

This translates to

• 5 business days per week * 12 weeks + 2 extra business days = 62
• 7 total days per week * 12 weeks + 2 extra days = 86

The NETWORKDAYS() formula is returning the correct number - 62 business days assuming a Monday to Friday workweek. The number you said you're expecting to see is what you would get by including weekends in the calculation i.e. by counting ALL the days between the two dates.

Joanna Waligora

I think you may be looking for a simple count of days between two dates (achieved via EndDate - StartDate). Meanwhile the formula you're using is designed to return only the count of working days aka business days; it doesn't count the weekends...5 (working) days per week vs. 7 days per week.

Andrée Starå

Hi,

To add to Joanna's excellent answer.

Here’s some more information about NETWORKDAY and similar functions.

https://help.smartsheet.com/function/networkdays

https://help.smartsheet.com/function/networkday

https://help.smartsheet.com/function/netdays

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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cderosa39041

Thank you both for your replies and help!

@Joanna Waligora, yes I am looking to find the number of days between two dates, excluding weekends. I am following the example provided in the Smartsheet Help, but not getting the correct response.

Joanna Waligora

Using the dates you referenced in your graphic...

Apr 6, 2020 to Jun 30, 2020

and doing things the brute way by just looking at a calendar, this period contains 12 full weeks plus 2 extra work days.

This translates to

• 5 business days per week * 12 weeks + 2 extra business days = 62
• 7 total days per week * 12 weeks + 2 extra days = 86

The NETWORKDAYS() formula is returning the correct number - 62 business days assuming a Monday to Friday workweek. The number you said you're expecting to see is what you would get by including weekends in the calculation i.e. by counting ALL the days between the two dates.

Andrée Starå

@cderosa39041

Happy to help!