Microsoft KB Archive/916004

= An unexpected value is returned when you use the DAYS360 function in Microsoft Excel =

Article ID: 916004

Article Last Modified on 3/28/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Office Excel 2003
 * Microsoft Excel 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you use the DAYS360 function to calculate the number of days between two dates, an unexpected value is returned. For example, when you use the DAYS360 function with a start date of February 28 and with an end date of March 28, a value of 28 days is returned. You expect a value of 30 days to be returned for every full month.



CAUSE
This behavior may occur if you use the U.S. method, also known as the NASD method, with the DAYS360 function.

Note By default, the U.S. method is used in the DAYS360 function. If you do not specify a method, the default method is used.



WORKAROUND
To work around this behavior, use the European method with the DAYS360 function. To use the European method with the DAYS360 function, use the following syntax:

=DAYS360(, ,TRUE)



Steps to reproduce the behavior

 * 1) In cell A1, type 2/28/2006, and then press ENTER.
 * 2) In cell A2, type 3/28/2006, and then press ENTER.
 * 3) In cell A3, type =DAYS360(A1,A2), and then press ENTER.

Results: A value of 28 is returned in cell A3.

