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SQL Server DATEDIFF() Function - GeeksforGeeks

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025

The DATEDIFF() function in SQL Server is a powerful tool used to calculate the difference between two dates or times. It returns an integer representing the number of date or time boundaries crossed between the specified dates, based on the specified date. This function is essential for tasks that involve comparing dates, calculating durations, or measuring intervals in SQL Server.

In this article, We will learn about the SQL Server DATEDIFF() Function in detail.

• The DATEDIFF() function in SQL Server is used to calculate the difference between two dates.
  
• This function returns an integer that represents the number of date or time boundaries crossed between two specified dates.
  
• The boundaries can be years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, etc., depending on the specified date.

Syntax:

SQL Server DATEDIFF function syntax is:

DATEDIFF(datepart, Start_date, End_date);

The DATEDIFF function accepts three parameters:

• datepart: It is the specified part that is to be returned. Moreover, the values of the interval can be given below.

datepart

abbreviations

year

yyyy,yy,y

quarter

qq,q

dayofyear

dy

day

dd,d

week

ww,wk

weekday

dw,w

hour

hh

minute

mi,n

second

ss,s

millisecond

ms

• Start_date: The starting date of the interval.
• End_date: The ending date of the interval.

Let's look at some examples of the DATEDIFF() function in SQL Server. Learning the DATEDIFF function with examples will help to understand the function better.

In this example, we will use two columns and find difference in their dates using DATEDIFF function.

First, let's create a table and insert values.

Query:

CREATE TABLE Customer 
    (Start_date datetime2, End_date datetime2);  
    
INSERT INTO Customer(Start_date, End_date)  
    VALUES ('2017-05-06 12:11:09', '2017-05-07 12:11:09');    

Output:

Query:

SELECT DATEDIFF(day, Start_date, End_date) 
    FROM Customer;

Output:

1

Using DATEDIFF() function and getting the difference between the two values of dates using variables which includes time as well, in second.

Query:

DECLARE @date1 VARCHAR(50);
DECLARE @date2 VARCHAR(50);
SET @date1 = '2019/2/1 09:55:44';
SET @date2 = '2020/12/12 07:45:22';
SELECT DATEDIFF(second, @Start_date, @End_date);

Output:

58744178

Using DATEDIFF() function and getting the difference between two values of dates, in years.

Query:

SELECT DATEDIFF(year, '2010/01/12', '2021/01/12');

Output:

11

Using DATEDIFF() function and getting the negative difference between the two values of dates, in day.

Query:

SELECT DATEDIFF(day, '2021/2/1', '2010/12/12');

Output:

-3704

This function is used to find the difference between two specified values of date.

• Date Interval Calculation: The number of specified date parts between two provided dates is found using the DATEDIFF() method.
• Date Part Flexibility: Years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds are among the date parts that are supported.
• Versatility in Date Comparisons: DATEDIFF() makes it possible to compare dates from several time periods or frames, which makes trend analysis easier.
• Simple Syntax and Implementation: The syntax of the function in SQL Server queries is simple to understand and apply.

The DATEDIFF() function in SQL Server is a versatile and straightforward tool for calculating the difference between two dates or times. It allows for flexible and precise measurement of intervals, making it invaluable for various data analysis and reporting tasks.

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