Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
Days Until a Date
Calculate how many days remain until a deadline, event, or due date.
Quick Answer
Subtract TODAY from the target date to calculate days remaining.
Copyable Formula
=A2-TODAY()Syntax
=target_date-TODAY()Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Due date | Days left |
| 2026-06-01 | 19 |
Result: Returns the number of calendar days between today and the due date.
Steps
- Put the target date in a cell.
- Subtract TODAY from that date.
- Format the result as a number.
- Use MAX(result,0) if overdue items should not show negative days.
Common Mistakes
- Formatting the result as a date instead of a number.
- Using calendar days when business days are needed.
- Forgetting that TODAY updates automatically.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.