How to Use the DURATION Function in WPS on Windows

This how-to guide covers 3 topics for using the DURATION function in WPS Sheets, with 3 free topics and 0 membership-related topics, so you can choose the method that fits your worksheet task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the function from the Insert Function dialog box

Entry point: Formula tab → Insert Function

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Click the fx button in the formula bar, or click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
3. Search for DURATION in the dialog box.
4. Select the function and click OK.
5. Enter each parameter in the Function Arguments dialog box.
6. Click OK to finish entering the function.

Success Criteria

• The current cell contains the DURATION function.
• After the parameter window closes, the worksheet shows the formula result or the formula itself.
• You can continue editing other cells or copy the formula.

Tips While Using

• Keep the parameter order consistent with the function syntax.
• For date-related arguments, use valid date values to avoid calculation issues.

2. Type the formula directly in a cell

Entry point: Cell → Formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
2. Type =DURATION(...) directly in the cell or in the formula bar.
3. Press Enter to confirm.
4. If needed, review the argument order after typing the opening parenthesis.

Success Criteria

• The cell accepts the formula entry.
• After you press Enter, the cell shows the result or the full formula remains visible in the formula bar.
• The formula can be filled down to other cells.

Tips While Using

• Separate arguments with English commas.
• If you reference other cells, check that the references point to the correct locations.

3. Review the function syntax and parameter details

Entry point: Formula tab → Insert Function

1. Click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
2. Type DURATION in the search box.
3. Select the function and review the syntax: DURATION(settlement, maturity, coupon, yield, frequency, [basis]).
4. Check each argument description before finishing the formula entry.

Success Criteria

• You can see the DURATION function name and syntax structure.
• You can distinguish required arguments from the optional argument.
• You can return to the worksheet and enter the formula with the correct inputs.

Tips While Using

• basis is optional, so confirm the day count setting that fits your worksheet.
• In financial calculations, verify the source values for dates, coupon rate, and yield before calculating.