Q1: How is the difference between two dates calculated?
The calculator finds the absolute difference between two dates by converting both to timestamps, calculating the difference in milliseconds, then converting to days, weeks, months, and years. It uses average values: 7 days per week, 30.44 days per month, and 365.25 days per year to account for leap years.
Q2: Why are months and years shown as approximations?
Months have varying lengths (28-31 days), and years include leap years, so exact month/year differences can be ambiguous. The calculator uses averages (30.44 days/month, 365.25 days/year) for practical estimates. For precise calculations, use the days or weeks values.
Q3: Does the order of dates matter?
No, the calculator uses the absolute difference, so it doesn't matter which date you enter first. Whether you enter "Jan 1, 2020" to "Jan 1, 2024" or vice versa, you'll get the same 4-year difference. The result is always positive.
Q4: How accurate is the date difference calculation?
The calculation is accurate to the day. It accounts for all days between the two dates, including leap years. The days and weeks values are exact. Months and years use averages for practical estimates, as exact month/year differences depend on which specific months are included.
Q5: Can I calculate differences across large date ranges?
Yes, the calculator handles any date range, from days to centuries. It accurately calculates differences regardless of the time span. For very large ranges, the days value will be most precise, while months/years provide convenient approximations.
Q6: How do I interpret the different time units?
Days: exact count of days between dates. Weeks: days divided by 7 (exact). Months: days divided by 30.44 (average, approximate). Years: days divided by 365.25 (accounts for leap years, approximate). Use days for precision, months/years for general understanding.