When using NETWORKDAYS, the most common questions involve errors, unexpected results, and filling formulas across cells; this FAQ covers 3 frequent questions and practical fixes.
FAQ
Why does NETWORKDAYS return #VALUE!?
- Check whether the start date and end date are valid date values.
- Make sure the referenced cells do not contain extra spaces or text content.
- If needed, convert the original values to a standard date format and calculate again.
Why is the NETWORKDAYS result different from what I expected?
- Check whether the start date and end date reference the correct cells.
- Confirm whether you need to include the holiday argument; without it, the function only follows weekend rules.
- Review the cell format and formula references one by one if the result still looks incorrect.
How can I use NETWORKDAYS in multiple cells at once?
- Enter the full NETWORKDAYS formula in the first target cell.
- Drag the fill handle downward, or copy and paste the formula into other target cells.
- After filling, check whether relative and absolute references match your intended result.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| NETWORKDAYS | A function that returns the number of complete working days between two dates. |
| start_date | The starting date argument used as the beginning of the calculation range. |
| holidays | An optional argument used to exclude holiday dates or a holiday date range from the result. |