How to Use the DATEDIF Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

Use the DATEDIF function through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry path and steps.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the DATEDIF functionFree
22. Fill in the parameters from the promptFree
33. Use cross-sheet references or nested formulasFree
44. Check the result and trigger recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the DATEDIF function

Entry path: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to show the result.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Type DATEDIF(.
  4. Check the syntax prompt to confirm that the function input is active.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell enters formula-editing mode and shows DATEDIF-related prompts.
  • Next action available: You can continue entering the start date, end date, and unit.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not type = first, the content may be treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: Work in an editable cell in WPS Spreadsheet.

2. Fill in the parameters from the prompt

Entry path: Formula bar → DATEDIF parameter area

  1. Enter the start date argument inside the function.
  2. Type a comma and enter the end date argument.
  3. Type another comma and enter the required unit.
  4. Check that the parentheses and separators are complete.
  5. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result instead of plain formula text.
  • Next action available: You can edit the arguments and calculate again.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Unmatched parentheses, missing separators, or the wrong number of arguments can cause an error.
  • Environment note: Date arguments need to be recognized as valid dates in the sheet.

3. Use cross-sheet references or nested formulas

Entry path: Formula bar → cell references and formula combinations

  1. Move to another worksheet while editing the DATEDIF arguments.
  2. Select the target date cell as a reference.
  3. Return to the current formula and complete the remaining arguments.
  4. If needed, combine DATEDIF with other functions for more complex results.
  5. Press Enter to finish the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula shows a cross-sheet reference or a nested structure.
  • Next action available: You can change the referenced cell and observe the updated result.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Referencing the wrong sheet or cell can produce incorrect results.
  • Environment note: Keep the formula structure complete when nesting functions.

4. Check the result and trigger recalculation

Entry path: Result cell → update source data and observe changes

  1. Review whether the DATEDIF result matches your expectation.
  2. Change the data in the start-date or end-date cell.
  3. Check whether the result updates automatically.
  4. If the result is not as expected, review the cell format and references.
  5. If needed, press F9 to recalculate manually.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result updates after the referenced date changes.
  • Next action available: You can save, copy, or extend the formula to other cells.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Dates stored as text can affect the calculation result.
  • Environment note: In complex sheets, keep date formats consistent before calculating.