How to Use the DURATION Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

Use the DURATION function through 4 topics, including entering the function, filling in arguments with prompts, referencing values across worksheets, and combining formulas with recalculation; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry path and steps.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership
11. Enter the DURATION functionFree
22. Fill in arguments with syntax promptsFree
33. Reference arguments across worksheetsFree
44. Nest formulas and recalculate resultsFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the DURATION function

Entry path: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and go to the workbook where you want to calculate a result.
  2. Select the cell where the result should appear.
  3. Type = and then enter DURATION(.
  4. Continue entering the required arguments and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result appears in the selected cell, and the full formula is visible in the formula bar.
  • What you can do next: You can edit arguments, copy the formula, or fill it down to other cells.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the function will not run as a worksheet formula.
  • Environment note: Date arguments should use valid date cells or date-function results.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry path: Formula input prompt in the formula bar

  1. Type =DURATION( in a cell.
  2. Check the syntax prompt shown in the editing area.
  3. Enter settlement date, maturity date, coupon rate, yield, payment frequency, and the optional basis argument in order.
  4. Check brackets and separators, then press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula is submitted normally without an obvious syntax interruption.
  • What you can do next: You can click the cell again to review and edit the arguments.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Unmatched brackets, missing separators, or incomplete arguments can cause an error.
  • Environment note: If date text is not in a valid format, the calculation may not return the expected result.

3. Reference arguments across worksheets

Entry path: Worksheet tabs + formula bar

  1. In the result cell, type =DURATION( and enter part of the formula.
  2. Switch to another worksheet that stores the input values.
  3. Click the corresponding cells to insert their references into the formula.
  4. Return to the current worksheet, complete the remaining arguments, and confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula shows cross-worksheet references.
  • What you can do next: When referenced cells change, the result updates accordingly.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: Referencing text-formatted numbers or invalid dates can affect the result.
  • Environment note: If a worksheet name changes, check whether the reference is still correct.

4. Nest formulas and recalculate results

Entry path: Formula bar

  1. Use other function results or calculated cells as arguments inside DURATION.
  2. Press Enter to view the result.
  3. Change the values or dates in related parameter cells.
  4. Check whether the result cell updates automatically, or confirm the formula again if you need to review it.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result changes when the source arguments change.
  • What you can do next: You can continue combining DURATION with other financial or statistical functions.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the nested formula is complex, verify intermediate results step by step.
  • Environment note: Circular references or invalid data formats can affect the final result.