Formula Errors

How to Fix NETWORKDAYS Returning 1 for a Sunday in Spreadsheet

Amos Gikunda Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know why the NETWORKDAYS formula incorrectly returns 1 instead of 0 when both the start and end dates fall on a Sunday.

How to Fix NETWORKDAYS Returning 1 for a Sunday

Product: Spreadsheet
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Calculating the number of working days between two dates when both the start and end dates land on a weekend.
Observed behavior: The NETWORKDAYS function unexpectedly returns 1 instead of 0 for a Sunday, typically caused by text-formatted dates, regional settings, or incorrect weekend configurations.

Before you start

Before troubleshooting the formula, ensure that your start and end dates are formatted as actual date values rather than plain text strings.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the DATE Function to Verify Actual Date Values

Ensure the formula processes true date values by using the DATE function rather than referencing potentially text-formatted cells.

The NETWORKDAYS function calculates working days inclusively. For a standard Saturday-Sunday weekend, a Sunday start and end date should return 0. If it returns 1, the spreadsheet might be interpreting the date as text.

Select the target cell

Click on the cell where you want the working days calculated.

Input the formula using DATE

Type the formula using the DATE function to guarantee correct date formatting. For example: =NETWORKDAYS(DATE(2024,3,3), DATE(2024,3,3)).

Execute the calculation

Press Enter. Since March 3, 2024 is a Sunday, a standard weekend setting will correctly output 0.

Use the DATE Function to Verify Actual Date Values

Date Integrity: Using the DATE(year, month, day) function eliminates errors caused by regional date interpretation differences.

Solution 2

Check Custom Weekend Settings in NETWORKDAYS.INTL

If you are using the NETWORKDAYS.INTL function, an incorrect weekend parameter might cause Sunday to be treated as a standard working day.

Solution 3

Convert Text Dates Using Text to Columns

Data imported from external systems often format dates as text, causing date-based formulas to return inaccurate results.

Advanced Date Calculation

Calculate Working Days Easily in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet offers full support for advanced date functions like NETWORKDAYS and NETWORKDAYS.INTL, allowing you to seamlessly calculate project timelines and working days with perfect Microsoft Excel compatibility.

1. Open your file: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the workbook containing your project dates.
2. Start the formula: Select the target cell and type =NETWORKDAYS( to initiate the formula.
3. Select date parameters: Click your start date cell, type a comma, click your end date cell, and type a closing parenthesis.
4. Calculate: Press Enter to instantly calculate the accurate number of working days.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel date and time functions.Intuitive date picker and format conversion tools.Lightweight software with fast processing for large datasets.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NETWORKDAYS function include both the start and end date?

Yes, the NETWORKDAYS function counts working days inclusively. If both the start and end date fall on the same working day, the function will return 1.

How can I exclude holidays from my NETWORKDAYS calculation?

You can exclude holidays by adding a third optional argument to the formula that references a range of cells containing your holiday dates. For example: =NETWORKDAYS(A2, B2, C2:C10).

What is the difference between NETWORKDAYS and NETWORKDAYS.INTL?

NETWORKDAYS assumes a standard weekend of Saturday and Sunday. NETWORKDAYS.INTL allows you to customize which days of the week are considered weekends by adding a specialized weekend parameter to the formula.

Excel & Data Problems