The formula
Excel & Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets
=NETWORKDAYS(A2,B2,D2:D3)In F2 → 21
Without holidaysExcelGoogle Sheets
=NETWORKDAYS(A2,B2)In F3 → 23
✓ Tested. All 2 Excel results in this example were recalculated in LibreOffice Calc 25.2 and matched the values shown.
Worked example
Paste the data below into a blank sheet starting at cell A1 (or download the cheat sheet, where every example is set up). Highlighted cells hold the formulas and show the expected results.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End | Holidays | |||
| 2 | Dec 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | Dec 24, 2026 | 21 | ||
| 3 | Dec 25, 2026 | 23 |
How it works
- A2
- Start date (counted if it's a weekday).
- B2
- End date (also counted).
- D2:D3
- Optional range of holiday dates to skip. Must be real dates, not text.
Common errors and fixes
Why does the formula return #VALUE!?
A date is stored as text. Convert with DATEVALUE or re-enter it.
One day too many?
NETWORKDAYS includes both ends. Subtract 1 if you need days between.
Holiday not excluded?
The holiday cell contains text like "Dec 25". Enter a real date.
Does this work in Google Sheets?
Yes. The formulas on this page work the same way in Google Sheets.