What you will build

Calculate working days between task start and due date. This lesson uses fictional sample data so you can reproduce each action.

Learning objective

Complete the steps using the dataset below, explain why the feature or formula is used, and recognize issues when inputs change.

Prepare the sample data

Paste this example as tab-separated values beginning at A1 on a new worksheet:

HANDS-ON PRACTICE

Practice in your own copy

Make your own Google Sheets copy with the same data, formulas, formatting, filter and frozen header. The original remains unchanged.

Make a Google Sheets copy (access required) ↗View original

Sign in to Google. If the original is not publicly shared, download the full workbook and import it into Google Sheets, or paste the example data into your own sheet.

Complete Google Sheets source table before formula verification.

Open the sample workbook in Google Drive (access required) ↗

Work through the example

Step 1: Enter the Start and Due fields as real dates, not imported text.

Step 2: Use NETWORKDAYS for a Monday–Friday workweek and compare with the raw calendar-day difference.

Formula to try

In the verified practice workbook, use H2 in the Formula result area for the formula below. Keep the source table unchanged and compare the displayed result with the checkpoint.

=NETWORKDAYS(B2,C2)
Result cell and formula are visible in Google Sheets for comparison with the source data.

Checkpoint

TaskStartDue
Brief2026-09-072026-09-11
Design2026-09-142026-09-18

Each value must be in the intended column. If the entire dataset lands in one cell, undo, select A1, and paste the tab-separated data again.

Common mistake and correction

If the result is unexpected, inspect the source cells, destination and referenced range in the formula. NETWORKDAYS counts both endpoints when they are weekdays. Public holidays require a separate validated holiday range.

Independent practice

After following the example, complete this variation without editing the source data: Add a holiday list in E2:E3 and compare a version that includes it.

Key takeaways

  • ✓Calculate working days between task start and due date.
  • ✓Enter the Start and Due fields as real dates, not imported text.
  • ✓NETWORKDAYS counts both endpoints when they are weekdays. Public holidays require a separate validated holiday range.
  • ✓Add a holiday list in E2:E3 and compare a version that includes it.
QUICK CHECK

Check your understanding

Answer four questions about the practice sheet.

1. Which first action belongs to this lesson?
2. Which formula is used in the example?
3. Which precaution matters for this lesson?
4. What is the independent practice task?

Continue learning

Previous lesson: Create a dynamic dashboard; Next lesson: Track overdue tasks.