subtracting dates to give a whole number

[Lasitter]

When I put two different dates in two different cells,
then subtract the two dates with a formula in a third
cell, I get a whole number of days between the two.
However, when I subtract dates in a formula in one cell, I
get a serial number (I think). What I need to know is how
I can get the whole number of days between two dates by
subtracting the two dates in one cell's formula? Thanks
for the help!! Bonus question: Is there a way to do this
calculation so that it gives the number of months between
the two dates. Thanks, again!!

 

[Biff]

Hi Lasitter,

Say the dates in question are

6/15/1999
9/30/2003

For the number of days:

=DATE(2003,9,30)-DATE(1999,6,15)

For the number of months:

=DATEDIF(DATE(1999,6,15),DATE(2003,9,30),"M")

Biff

 

[Paul]

When I put two different dates in two different cells,
then subtract the two dates with a formula in a third
cell, I get a whole number of days between the two.
However, when I subtract dates in a formula in one cell, I
get a serial number (I think). What I need to know is how
I can get the whole number of days between two dates by
subtracting the two dates in one cell's formula? Thanks
for the help!! Bonus question: Is there a way to do this
calculation so that it gives the number of months between
the two dates. Thanks, again!!

I don't understand what you mean by "subtract dates in a formula in one
cell". Post the formula so that we can see what you are trying to do.

Months vary in length, so you will have to define what you mean by a month
before you can get an answer to that one.