How do you calculate the difference between two dates in Excel?

Calculating the difference between two dates in Excel can be accomplished effectively by subtracting one date from another. When this operation is performed, Excel returns the number of days between the two dates, which is straightforward and commonly used for date calculations. This method is both intuitive and efficient for users who need to determine the span of days between two specific dates.

Using the DATEDIF function is indeed a valid alternative, as it allows for more complex calculations, such as finding the difference in months or years, but basic subtraction is typically the most direct approach. The DAYS function is also applicable, yet it serves a specific purpose to return the total number of days between two dates. Adding the dates together is not a valid method for finding a difference, as that would yield a nonsensical result in the context of date calculations.