When using the NETWORKDAYS function, common questions usually involve formula errors, argument entry, result checks, and usage scenarios; this FAQ includes 4 common questions and a glossary.
FAQ
What should I do if the NETWORKDAYS function shows an error after I enter it?
- Check whether the formula starts with
=. - Check whether the parentheses are paired correctly and whether the arguments use the correct separator.
- Confirm that the start date and end date are valid dates or valid date cell references.
- If you are using a nested formula, also check the outer function parentheses and argument order.
How do I view the parameter hint for the NETWORKDAYS function?
- Select an editable cell.
- Type
=NETWORKDAYS(. - Look for the syntax hint near the formula bar.
- Continue entering the start date, end date, and optional holidays argument based on the hint.
Why is my NETWORKDAYS result incorrect?
- Check whether the referenced cells are text-formatted dates.
- Check whether you left out a holiday argument that should be excluded.
- Confirm that the start date and end date order matches your calculation logic.
- After changing the source data, confirm that the result has updated automatically.
Can I use NETWORKDAYS with other formulas?
- Yes, you can combine NETWORKDAYS with other functions in the same formula.
- First verify that the NETWORKDAYS result is correct on its own.
- Then add IF, DATE, or other function logic step by step.
- If the result is still unusual, review the formula layer by layer.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| NETWORKDAYS | A date function used to calculate the number of working days between two dates, usually excluding weekends and optionally excluding holidays. |
| Argument | The input required by a function, such as the start date, end date, and optional holiday range. |
| Cross-sheet reference | A way to reference data from cells in another worksheet inside the current worksheet formula. |
| Nested formula | A formula structure in which one function is placed inside another function to complete more complex calculations. |