Date
WORKDAY
Definition
WORKDAY returns the date that is a given number of workdays before or after a start date.
Syntax
=WORKDAY(start_date, days, [holidays])
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
start_date |
The date to shift from, or the cell holding it. |
days |
How many workdays to move. A positive number moves forward. |
holidays |
Optional. Extra dates to skip, such as a list of public holidays. |
Worked example
A lab shifts each start date by two workdays. Starts are in A2:A4. Format the result as a number to see the serial.
| A: Start |
|---|
| 8 Mar 2023 |
| 10 Mar 2023 |
| 13 Mar 2023 |
Formula: =WORKDAY(A2,2)
Result: 44995. 8 March 2023 is a Wednesday, so two workdays later is Friday 10 March 2023. Filled down, the formula gives 44995, 44999, and 45000.
Practice
Cell A2 holds 1 January 2024. In B2, write a formula that returns the date one workday after A2.
- In B2, write a WORKDAY formula that adds 1 workday to A2.
- B2 should show A2 plus 1 workday.
Related functions
NETWORKDAYS counts workdays between two dates. TODAY can be the start date when you want a due date from today.
Common mistake
Adding calendar days with A2+1: that counts Saturday and Sunday, so a Friday start moves to Saturday instead of Monday.