Quick Answer

NETWORKDAYS.INTL Function

Counts workdays between two dates with a custom weekend.

✓ Excel✓ Google SheetsExcel Excel 2010+

Syntax

NETWORKDAYS.INTL

(start_date, end_date, [weekend], [holidays])

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
start_date	The first date of the period.	Required
end_date	The last date of the period. Both start and end dates are counted.	Required
weekend	Optional. A number 1-7 or 11-17 selecting weekend days (1 = Sat+Sun default, 2 = Sun only, ... 7 = Fri only, 11 = Sun+Mon, ... 17 = Sat+Sun), or a 7-character string of 0/1 for Mon-Sun where 1 means weekend.	Optional
holidays	Optional range or array of dates to exclude as non-working days.	Optional

Basic Example

Workdays in January 2024 (default Sat/Sun weekend)

=NETWORKDAYS.INTL(DATE(2024, 1, 1), DATE(2024, 1, 31), 1)

Result23

With the default weekend (code 1, Sat+Sun), January 2024 has 23 weekdays. This matches NETWORKDAYS.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Custom weekend (Mon and Sun off) over a week

Counting a non-standard work week

A 7-character string defines the off days

=NETWORKDAYS.INTL(DATE(2024, 1, 1), DATE(2024, 1, 7), "1000001")

Result: 5

The string "1000001" marks Monday and Sunday as weekends. In Jan 1-7, only Tue-Sat (Jan 2-6) are working, giving 5 workdays.

Example 2: Friday-Saturday weekend for a whole month

A schedule where Fri and Sat are off

The weekend string changes which days are skipped

=NETWORKDAYS.INTL(DATE(2024, 1, 1), DATE(2024, 1, 31), "0000110")

Result: 15

The string "0000110" marks Friday and Saturday as weekends. In January 2024, excluding the 4 Fridays and 4 Saturdays leaves 15 working days (23 minus 8).

How NETWORKDAYS.INTL Works

NETWORKDAYS.INTL counts every day from start_date through end_date, subtracts the days marked as weekends by the weekend argument, and then subtracts any dates in the holidays list. Both endpoints are included. The weekend can be a preset code or a 7-character 0/1 string in Monday-to-Sunday order.

Enter the start and end dates

Supply the period boundaries as date serials.

Set the weekend

Use a code (1-7/11-17) or a 7-char 0/1 string (Mon-Sun).

Optionally list holidays

Pass a range or array of holiday dates.

Important Notes & Limitations

Available only in Excel 2010 and later.
The weekend string must be exactly seven characters in Monday-to-Sunday order.
If start_date is after end_date, the result is negative.

Common Errors & Fixes

#VALUE!The weekend string is not exactly seven 0/1 characters.

Fix: Use a valid 7-character string such as "0000011".

#NUM!An invalid weekend code (not 1-7 or 11-17) was supplied.

Fix: Use a supported weekend code or a valid string.

Download Practice File

Practice NETWORKDAYS.INTL with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the weekend string mean?

Seven characters for Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, where 1 marks a weekend day, e.g. "0000011" = Sat+Sun off.

Are both endpoints counted?

Yes, both the start and end dates are included in the count.

How do I set Friday and Saturday as the weekend?

Use code 7 or the string "0000110".