Google Sheets

How to Use the NETWORKDAYS.INTL Function in Google Sheets

Jitendra 3 weeks agoLast Updated: November 27, 2023

0 3 5 minutes read

Table of Contents

Introduction

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, and it comes with a range of functions that can make your tasks easier. One such function is NETWORKDAYS.INTL. This function is particularly useful when you need to calculate the number of working days between two dates, taking into account specific weekends and holidays.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function in Google Sheets. We’ll break it down into simple steps that even 5th-grade students can understand.

When to Use the NETWORKDAYS.INTL Function

The NETWORKDAYS.INTL function is used when you want to find out the number of whole workdays (Monday through Friday) between two dates, excluding specified weekend days and holidays. This can be incredibly useful for various tasks, such as project planning, scheduling, or tracking attendance.

How to use NETWORKDAYS.INTL function in Google Sheets

Type “=NETWORKDAYS.INTL” or go to the “Insert” tab ➝ “Function” ➝ “Date” ➝ “NETWORKDAYS.INTL”.

Syntax

NETWORKDAYS.INTL(start_date, end_date, [weekend], [holidays])

start_date – The start date of the period from which to calculate the number of net working days.
end_date – The end date of the period from which to calculate the number of net working days.
weekend – [ OPTIONAL – 1 by default ] – A number or string representing which days of the week are considered weekends.
- String method: weekends can be specified using seven 0’s and 1’s, where the first number in the set represents Monday and the last number is for Sunday. A zero means that the day is a work day, a 1 means that the day is a weekend. For example, “0000011” would mean Saturday and Sunday are weekends.
- Number method: instead of using the string method above, a single number can be used. 1 = Saturday/Sunday are weekends, 2 = Sunday/Monday, and this pattern repeats until 7 = Friday/Saturday. 11 = Sunday is the only weekend, 12 = Monday is the only weekend, and this pattern repeats until 17 = Saturday is the only weekend.
holidays – [ OPTIONAL ] – A range or array constant containing the dates to consider as holidays.
- The values provided within an array for holidays must be date serial number values, as returned by N or date values, as returned by DATE, DATEVALUE or TO_DATE. Values specified by a range should be standard date values or date serial numbers.

Example:

Step 1: Open Your Google Sheet

Step 2: Select a Cell and Enter the Function

Step 3: Press Enter: Hit the Enter key to apply the function

Tips for Optimization

Certainly! Here are some tips for optimizing the use of the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function in Google Sheets, presented in bullet points:

Understand Function Syntax:

Familiarize yourself with the parameters: start_date, end_date, weekend, and holidays.

Utilize Cell References:

Refer to cells containing dates instead of typing them directly into the formula for dynamic and easy updates.

Use Named Ranges:

Assign descriptive labels to groups of cells (named ranges) to enhance formula readability and manageability.

Optimize Weekend Parameter:

Adjust the weekend parameter to specify the correct non-working days based on your region or industry.

Implement Error Handling:

Use the IFERROR function to handle potential errors and provide meaningful messages or alternative results.

Regularly Update Holiday Lists:

Keep the list of holidays in the holidays parameter up-to-date to ensure accurate calculations.

Combine with Other Functions:

Combine NETWORKDAYS.INTL with other functions like IF statements for more complex workday calculations.

Test and Validate Results:

Always double-check the calculated workdays against a manual count to ensure accuracy after making any changes.

Real-World Application

Certainly! Here are some real-world applications of the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function in Google Sheets, explained in points:

Project Planning and Scheduling:
- Calculate the number of workdays required to complete a project, taking into account weekends and specific holidays. This aids in setting realistic timelines.
Employee Attendance Tracking:
- Use the function to automate the calculation of employees’ attendance records, considering weekends and public holidays.
Sales Forecasting:
- Determine the number of potential sales days in a given period, allowing for more accurate revenue projections.
Production Planning:
- Estimate the time needed to manufacture a product by calculating the workdays involved, accounting for weekends and any factory holidays.
Vacation Planning:
- Plan vacations or leaves of absence by finding out the number of available workdays within a specified time frame.
Customer Service Metrics:
- Evaluate customer service performance by calculating the average response or resolution times, excluding weekends and holidays.
Loan or Mortgage Payments:
- Determine the number of working days in a month to calculate interest accrued on loans or mortgages more accurately.
Shipping and Logistics:
- Plan shipping schedules by calculating the estimated delivery dates, considering transit times and non-working days.
Event Planning:
- Organize events by calculating the lead time required for preparations, accounting for weekends and important event dates.
Stock Market Analysis:
- Analyze stock market data based on trading days, excluding weekends and stock exchange holidays.
Deadline Management:
- Keep track of project deadlines and milestones by calculating the number of workdays remaining.
Customer Billing:
- Calculate the number of billable days for services provided, taking into account non-working days.
Compliance Reporting:
- Generate compliance reports by calculating the number of business days for specific regulatory requirements.
Supply Chain Management:
- Optimize supply chain operations by scheduling production and deliveries based on available workdays.
Employee Payroll Processing:
- Use the function to determine the number of working days in a pay period for accurate salary calculations.
Inventory Management:
- Forecast inventory needs by considering the number of available workdays for restocking and order processing.
Educational Planning:
- Schedule school terms and academic activities, factoring in holidays and weekends.
Legal Case Management:
- Manage court proceedings and deadlines by calculating the number of working days for legal actions.
Retail Store Operations:
- Plan staffing levels and store operations based on expected foot traffic on specific workdays.
Personal Productivity Tracking:
- Individuals can use the function to set realistic goals and track progress over specific workdays.

Conclusion

The NETWORKDAYS.INTL function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that simplifies the calculation of workdays, accounting for weekends and holidays. By understanding its syntax and applying it in various scenarios, you can streamline tasks related to project planning, attendance tracking, financial forecasting, and much more.

Remember to use cell references, named ranges, and error handling techniques to optimize your formulas. Additionally, always keep your holiday lists up-to-date for accurate calculations.

With practice and experimentation, you’ll become proficient in leveraging the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function for a wide range of applications, enhancing your productivity and efficiency in Google Sheets.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use NETWORKDAYS.INTL for different countries and workweek configurations?

Absolutely. The weekend parameter allows you to customize which days are considered weekends, making it adaptable for various global workweek settings.

Q2: How can I update the list of holidays for accurate calculations?

You can easily update the list of holidays by adjusting the range specified in the holidays parameter of the function.

Q3: Can NETWORKDAYS.INTL be combined with other functions for more complex calculations?

Yes, you can integrate NETWORKDAYS.INTL with other functions, such as IF statements, to create more sophisticated workday calculations based on specific conditions.