This FAQ covers 3 common question groups about YEARFRAC, mainly around date formats, argument entry, and result interpretation.
FAQ
What should I do if YEARFRAC returns #VALUE!?
- Check whether the start date and end date are valid date values.
- Make sure the cell content is not a text date with extra spaces.
- If needed, convert the text to a date value and calculate again.
Why is the YEARFRAC result different from what I expected?
- Check whether the
basisargument matches your calculation scenario. - Confirm that the start date and end date are not reversed.
- Compare results under different basis values and use the one that fits your rule.
How do I use YEARFRAC in multiple cells at once?
- Enter the correct YEARFRAC formula in the first cell.
- Drag the fill handle downward, or copy and paste the formula into the target range.
- Check whether relative and absolute references match your batch calculation needs.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| YEARFRAC | A function that returns the fractional number of years between two dates. |
| start_date | The starting date argument in YEARFRAC that defines the beginning of the calculation. |
| basis | An optional day count basis argument that determines how the date difference is converted into a yearly fraction. |