Managing multiple projects and their deadlines can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, Google Sheets has a built-in function that makes it super easy! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to use the NETWORKDAYS function to track project deadlines and calculate the number of working days between two dates. Whether you’re handling several projects at once or just want a simple way to keep things organized, this guide will show you exactly how to do it. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Setting Up Your Data
Before we get to the fun part—using the formula—let’s make sure your data is set up correctly in Google Sheets. Here’s what your sheet should look like:
You’ll have your Project names in one column, followed by the Start Date and End Date for each project. The fourth column is where we’ll calculate how many Workdays Remaining until each project is due.
Step 2: How the NETWORKDAYS Formula Works
Now, let’s talk about the magic formula! The NETWORKDAYS function calculates the number of working days (Monday through Friday) between two dates, excluding weekends. This is perfect for tracking project deadlines because it gives you a clearer idea of how many actual workdays you have left, instead of just counting all the days.
Here’s the formula you’ll use:
=NETWORKDAYS(B4, C4)
Let’s break this down:
B4: This is the Start Date for your project.
C4: This is the End Date for your project.
Once you enter this formula, Google Sheets will return the number of workdays between those two dates. Pretty straightforward, right?
Step 3: Applying the Formula Across Your Projects
Now that we’ve got the formula ready, let’s apply it to the rest of the projects in your sheet. Here’s what you need to do:
Enter the formula =NETWORKDAYS(B4, C4) into the first row under the Workdays Remaining column (for Project A).
After entering the formula, you don’t have to manually type it for every other project. Simply click on the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell and drag it down to apply the formula to the remaining rows.
This will calculate the workdays for all your projects in just one go!
Step 4: Reviewing the Results
Once you’ve applied the formula, you’ll instantly see the number of workdays remaining for each project. Here’s how your sheet should look:
Now, you have an easy-to-read list of all your projects and the workdays left until each one is due. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and make sure no project slips through the cracks!
Why Use NETWORKDAYS?
You might be wondering, “Why use NETWORKDAYS instead of just counting the days?” Here’s why this formula is a game-changer for tracking deadlines:
- Excludes weekends: It automatically skips weekends, so you’re only counting the actual workdays left.
- Accurate deadline tracking: You’ll get a clear picture of how much time you really have to complete your projects.
- Saves time and effort: Once the formula is in place, it does all the work for you—no more manual counting!
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! Tracking project deadlines in Google Sheets using the NETWORKDAYS function is simple, efficient, and accurate. With just a few clicks, you’ll have a complete overview of your deadlines and how much time you have left to meet them. This method not only saves you time but also helps you avoid errors and stay organized.
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