How to Calculate Age From Date of Birth in Excel
Excel provides easy and accurate ways to compute a person’s age using formulas. Whether you're calculating ages for HR records, student databases, birthdays, or financial eligibility, Excel can do the job in seconds.
This guide explains different methods to calculate age from date of birth in Excel using practical examples.
You’ll also learn how to calculate age from dob in excel using the DATEDIF formula, YEARFRAC formula, and custom year-month-day calculations.
Why Calculate Age in Excel?
Age calculation is needed in several scenarios:
- Employee age verification
- School or college admission records
- Loan eligibility checks
- Sports registration
- Insurance and pension calculations
Method 1: Using the DATEDIF Formula
The most accurate and commonly used method is the DATEDIF function. It helps you easily
calculate age from date of birth in Excel.
Formula:
=DATEDIF(DOB, TODAY(), "Y")
Example:
If the DOB is in cell A1, use:
=DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "Y")
This returns the age in full years.
Calculate Age in Years, Months, and Days
To get a detailed output:
=DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "Y") & " Years, " & DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "YM") & " Months, " & DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "MD") & " Days"
This method is perfect for those wanting to calculate age from dob in excel with complete detail.
Method 2: Using YEARFRAC Formula
This formula returns the age with decimal values—useful for finance, insurance, and actuarial calculations.
Formula:
=INT(YEARFRAC(A1, TODAY()))
Why Use It?
- Smooth age calculation
- Great for fractional years
- Useful in eligibility-based calculations
Method 3: Subtracting Dates Manually
Excel stores dates as numbers, so you can calculate age in years using:
=INT((TODAY() - A1) / 365.25)
This works but is slightly less accurate. Still useful for quick estimate calculations.
Method 4: Using Power Query
For large datasets, Power Query offers an automated solution to
calculate age from date of birth in Excel.
- Load the data in Power Query
- Select the DOB column
- Go to Add Column → Date → Age
- Change data type to number
Best Practices for Age Calculation
- Always use Excel Date format for DOB cells
- Avoid typing DOB in text format
- Use DATEDIF for accurate age calculation
- Use YEARFRAC for fractional ages
FAQs
1. Which formula is best for calculating age?
DATEDIF is the most accurate and commonly used.
2. Why is DATEDIF not showing in Excel?
DATEDIF is a hidden function but fully supported by Excel.
3. Can I calculate age for thousands of rows?
Yes, simply drag the formula down or use Power Query.
4. How do I show age in years and months?
Use the combined DATEDIF formula shown above.
Conclusion
Excel offers multiple easy and powerful methods to
calculate age from date of birth in Excel.
Whether you want a simple year value or a detailed breakdown, Excel’s formulas help you quickly
calculate age from dob in excel accurately and efficiently.
Read Full Age Calculation Guide get more info