The best all-in-one computers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed


All-in-one (AIO) computers combine performance and speed in a space-saving design, integrating components into a single monitor. These machines offer a clean setup without sacrificing basic functionality. AIO computers, however, do have limited upgrade options and reduced repairability, so choosing the right one up-front is key. Should you get theHP OmniStudio X 32 for its large screen or Lenovo’s Yoga AIO? The latter has a flexible hinge, making it perfect for content creators. There are so many solid choices that picking a single AiO is almost paralyzing.

For the July 2026 update, I added the new 2026 Dell 24 AiO to the list. It’s a solid midrange AiO PC, ideal for families looking for a new PC.

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What is the best all-in-one computer right now?

We tested several AIOs across various budgets and use cases. Our top pick is Apple’s 24-inch M4 iMac, which we praise for its strong performance, sharp display, and sleek design. AIO PCs don’t often see frequent releases. Companies sit on a few models for several years before upgrading a series. Check out the following list for our recommendations on the best AIO PCs.

The best all-in-one computers of 2026

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Apple iMac M4 in orange

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: Taking the top spot on this list is the 2024 Apple iMac, which should come as no surprise. It comes with an M4 chip and 16GB of RAM, a configuration that allows the iMac to feel like a high-end productivity machine right out of the box. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, juggling dozens of tabs, or testing Apple’s new AI features, this AIO doesn’t skip a beat.

If the performance wasn’t enough, it boasts a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. It’s sharp, delivering impressive color accuracy and a max brightness of 500 nits, perfect for creatives. The glossy screen can be challenging to see in bright environments, but fortunately, shoppers can equip the iMac with a matte-finish screen.

Review: Apple iMac M4

Who it’s for: The M4 iMac is an excellent option for professional creatives, everyday users, and students alike who need a powerful, all-in-one desktop. Combine top-notch hardware and features with its sleek design, updated peripherals, and 12MP webcam, and you have a computer that excels in both style and substance. Plus, if you’re upgrading from an older Intel iMac or even an M1 model, the performance gains are significant.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend the M4 iMac to people who already own either an M3 iMac or a Mac Studio with an M2 Max chip, since the performance gap between these models isn’t that big. Also, it can be an expensive machine. The matte coating may look great, but it adds an extra $200 to the price tag — a premium that may not be worth paying unless you deal with annoying glare regularly.

Apple iMac 24-inch (M4, 2023) specs: OS: MacOS Sequoia (MacOS 15) | CPU: Apple M4 (10-core) | GPU: Apple M4 (10-core) | RAM: 16GB, 24GB (unified memory), 32GB (unified memory) | Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Camera: 1080p Center Stage | Audio: 3 mic array, six speakers | Dimensions: 21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds


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HP OmniStudio X 31.5 AiO

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Why we like it: HP’s OmniStudio X 32 is our top choice for large-screen options, delivering a high-quality visual experience with one of the sharpest, color-rich AIO panels on the market. With a 4K resolution display and up to 550 nits of brightness, everything from spreads to video content looks crisp and vibrant. The matte finish reduces glare to maintain visibility, while the movable stand enables users to adjust the screen during long workdays.

There’s more to the computer than just its display, however. Inside the OmniStudio X is a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, a graphics card not typically found in AIOs. This GPU enables the computer to easily handle light creative tasks, such as photo and 4K video editing. If you care about having a color-accurate screen for your workspace, this one checks off many boxes.

Review: HP OmniStudio X 32

Who it’s for: The OmniStudio X 32 is a solid choice for a wide range of consumers, from entertainment industry pros to families. It is a versatile desktop with a big screen, perfect for multitasking or casual gaming. Additionally, setting up the PC is extremely easy, as everything you need is included in the overall package, like a wireless keyboard, a wireless mouse, and a USB-C cable.

Who should look elsewhere: To get the most out of the OmniStudio, you’ll probably want to upgrade certain accessories. The included mouse is somewhat underwhelming, the keyboard is satisfactory, and the speakers are decent. However, in his review, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski recommends purchasing a soundbar or a pair of desktop speakers to enhance the experience. However, upgrading means coughing up even more money.

HP OmniStudio X 32 specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel; Core Ultra 7 155H | GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 | RAM: 32GB DDR5 RAM | Storage: 1TB | Camera: 5MP IR Camera | Audio: Dual 5W speakers | Dimensions: 28.14 x 22.26 x 7.88 inches | Weight: 21.6 pounds


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HP/ZDNET

Why we like it: No, you’re not seeing double. HP makes some of the best AIOs on the market, so it only makes sense to include another on this list. This OmniStudio X 27 model has several differences from the previous entry, most notably, its size. The screen is significantly smaller, measuring 27 inches diagonally rather than 32, but it still outputs images in stunning 4K resolution.

Inside its chassis is an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V CPU. It harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to deliver performance beyond that of many other AiO computers. Above the screen is a high-quality “5MP IR camera with HDR switch capabilities.” This means the display can output highly accurate colors. Features like AI Noise Reduction remove background noise during calls, ensuring you come through clearly, and Wi-Fi 7 support keeps you connected at fast speeds.

Who it’s for: This OmniStudio X is essentially a smaller version of the previous model, offering many of the same benefits. Various online reviews praise the computer for its speed, large storage capacity, and ease of setup. One particular review on the Best Buy listing stated that they finished setting up in under an hour, including installing all their favorite apps.

Who should look elsewhere: Because the OmniStudio X has many of the same benefits as its bigger sibling, it also has many of the same issues. The accessories that come with the overall packages are substandard. I’ve also seen people complain about faulty units. One user review on Best Buy complained about high CPU temperatures.

HP OmniStudio X specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V | GPU: Intel Arc Graphics 140V | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Camera: 5MP | Audio: Poly Studio speakers | Dimensions:  28.14 x 7.88 x 21.15 in | Weight: 21.61 pounds


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Cesar Cadenas/ZDNET

Why we like it: The Dell 24 All-in-One delivers the type of experience you’d expect from a midrange AiO. While it isn’t designed for heavy creative workloads, this PC is plenty fast thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 5 322 processor. It easily juggled multiple browser tabs, office apps, and media streaming simultaneously. Everything felt quick and smooth as can be.

Another wonderful aspect of Dell’s model is its design. At 24 inches, it takes up very little desk space, and at around 12.5 pounds, it’s lighter than many competing models. You wouldn’t think weight would matter in this instance, but it does. This lightweight AiO is easy to move around whenever you need access to its rear ports, as well as for setup. The built-in speaker is impressive too, delivering punchy bass and room-filling sound.

Also: How to restart your Windows 11 PC when nothing else works 

Who it’s for: The computer is perfect for families and workers looking for a reliable all-in-one PC at an affordable price. It’s well-suited for productivity tasks, and its compact design makes it a good choice for offices, dorm rooms, or anywhere where space may be limited.

Who should look elsewhere: AiOs as a whole aren’t very powerful. They’re primarily meant for lightweight tasks. But even among these types of computers, Dell’s model lags behind most. Plus, there are very few customization options, and the included mouse-and-keyboard combo is pretty basic.

Dell 24 All-in-One desktop specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 322 | GPU: Integrated Intel GPU | RAM: 16GB | Storage 512GB | Camera: Full HD IR | Audio: Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 21.26 x 2.34 x 14.21 in | Weight: 12.47 pounds


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Acer/ZDNET

Why we like it: Acer’s Aspire C24 is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a low-cost AiO. It has everything you could want in a machine like this. Its 24-inch Full HD IPS display delivers vibrant colors and a wide viewing angle. Said screen also runs at a 120Hz refresh rate for velvety smooth animations.

The Aspire C24 comes in a variety of configurations, housing different hardware. The specs below highlight the AMD model, but the Intel model is just as good. Both configurations perform well. They’re each suited for light multitasking, office work, and multimedia streaming. Other notable features include a 2MP webcam for video calls, Wi-Fi 6E support, and Acer VisionCare, which reduces the amount of harmful blue light emitted.

Who it’s for: Like the previous entry, the Acer Aspire C24 is a good pick for families, students, and offices looking for an affordable desktop. The main difference with this device is affordability. Its compact design also makes it a great fit for desks with limited space.

Who should look elsewhere: And just like the previous entry, this is not a powerful computer. Acer’s Aspire operates on entry-level processors and integrated graphics cards. That’s fine for most use cases but will struggle in the face of demanding workloads. Same goes for the 8GB of RAM. It’s okay, but the PC’s performance will run into a wall at some point.

Acer Aspire C24 specs OS: Windows 11 | CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 40 | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Display: 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) | Camera: 5MP webcam | Audio: Built-in stereo speakers | Dimensions: 16.36 x 21.27 x 6.43 inches | Weight: 8.82


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mac-and-kids

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

Why we like it: The M3 iMac is an old favorite but still relevant. It was once our top pick for the best AIO until the newer M4 replaced it, but it is absolutely a competitive option in 2026.

Apple’s M3 chip is still top-notch hardware. The processing unit, which consists of four performance cores and four efficiency cores, excels at handling demanding workflows such as digital illustration, music production, and video editing. Plus, the iMac has a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, capable of outputting over a billion colors while delivering exceptional clarity and color accuracy. 

Also: The top 10 laptops our readers bought this year (No. 1 surprised us)

Who it’s for: Thanks to the M3 chipset and the high-quality Retina display, this older iMac is best suited for creatives, whether professional or amateur artists. Its flexible hinge allows users to tilt the screen for more comfortable viewing. Setting up the iMac couldn’t be easier, as it comes with a single preinstalled power cable, a color-matched Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, and a Magic Mouse.

Apple’s M3 iMac is also easier on the wallet, costing nearly $400 less.

Who should look elsewhere: Professionals whose projects have large file sizes may want to consider an alternative option or be willing to pay for additional storage. This may sound harsh, but a 256GB SSD is considered relatively small. File sizes have exploded in recent years, necessitating that people have ample storage space. 256GB is acceptable for casual usage, but to get the most out of the iMac, I recommend upgrading to 512 GB.

Apple M3 iMac specs: OS: macOS | CPU: Apple M3 | GPU: Apple M3 8-core | RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 256GB | Camera: 1080p webcam | Audio: High-fidelity six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers, 3.5mm headphone jack | Dimensions: 21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 inches | Weight: 9.75 pounds


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Lenovo/ZDNET

Why we like it: Lenovo’s Yoga AiO is unlike many other entries on this list. For starters, it features a flexible hinge that allows users to rotate, lift, or swivel the 2K display. What’s interesting is that it’s only available with a touchscreen. This model is primarily intended for content creators and artists who want a PC for direct illustration.

The Lenovo Yoga is decently powerful, too. Its best configuration houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, and 16GB of memory. With hardware like this, the AiO can handle light gaming. In fact, with purchase, you will get three months of Xbox PC Game Pass.

Also: You can soon restore Windows 11 from scratch even if it can’t boot up – here’s how

Who it’s for: As stated earlier, the Lenovo Yoga AiO is meant for creators. It has all the necessary components to support heavy workloads, such as video editing and graphic design. The flexible hinge makes drawing in certain positions and angles easier. When you’re off work, you can kick back and watch your favorite movie. Dolby Atmos has fine-tuned the speaker system to deliver an immersive audio experience.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn’t recommend this Yoga AiO to people on a budget. It’s nearly $1,000 on Lenovo’s website. Setting this up isn’t easy, as it weighs almost 20 pounds. Aside from a few criticisms, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like Lenovo’s AiO. It’s the entry with the broadest appeal.

Lenovo Yoga AiO specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | GPU: Integrated Intel Arc | Storage: 512GB | Camera: 5MP RGB + IR | Audio: 3W JBL 2 tweeter, 5W JBL 2 woofers | Dimensions: 22.26 x 24.13 x 9.25 inches | Weight: 18.51 pounds


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Lenovo

Why we like it: At first glance, Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 looks like your bog-standard AiO, but it is a thoughtfully designed machine built to enhance your productivity. It’s a clean, space-saving desktop perfect for offices and at-home workplaces. Under the hood, the PC is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 5 225T processor (at least the base model), paired with DDR5 memory and fast PCIe SSD storage. A configuration like this is more than capable of handling everyday office tasks.

The nearly 24-inch Full HD screen delivers sharp visuals, and the business-first design includes features such as a 5MP webcam, a wide selection of ports, and an adjustable hinge.

Also: Finally, a mini Windows PC that convincingly beats my full-size tower (and is full of ports)

Who it’s for: The Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a is best suited in the hands of professionals who want a reliable, easy-to-use desktop. What’s great about the PC is that it is highly customizable. If you want more power, you could equip the machine with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265T vPro processor, Windows 11 Pro, and 32GB of RAM. If you value storage space, Lenovo lets shoppers choose a 1TB SSD.

Who should look elsewhere: This is not the right choice for power users or creatives. With an integrated graphics card and a focus on efficiency, the M70a Gen 6 will struggle with heavier tasks like advanced video editing. However, Lenovo does have the ThinkCentre M90 Gen 6 available, which comes with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 40-series graphics card on specific configurations.

Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a (base model) specs: OS: Windows 11 | CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 225T | GPU: Integrated Intel | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Camera: 5MP | Audio: Dual microphones, 2x 2W speakers | Dimensions: 21.24 x 13.39 x 1.95 inches | Weight: 12.29 pounds


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All-in-one computers have a lot of features packed into a single package. But AIOs typically can’t get upgraded after purchase, so you need to find the component mix and price that best matches your needs. 

We chose Apple’s 24-inch M4 iMac as the best AIO computer due to its great design and top-tier performance. But if you prefer a Windows AIO, we found plenty of options. See the comparison chart below for a quick look at how the iMac differs from our other AIO picks.

Choose this AIO…. If you want…
Apple 24-inch M4 iMac The best all-in-one computer. Equipped with a 4.5K Retina display and a colorful design, the iMac M4 is a powerhouse for work, home, school, and more.
HP OmniStudio X 31.5 The best large-screen all-in-one computer. With a 32-inch display, this AIO can make any image look gorgeous. Plus it has a solid hardware configuration.
HP OmniStudio X The best Windows AIO. This model runs AI-powered hardware and supports Wi-Fi 7 to deliver lightning-fast connections.
Dell 24 All-in-One A solid midrange AIO that won’t break the bank. Its Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor performs quite well and boasts a powerful set of speakers.
Acer Aspire C24 The best budget AiO computer. Acer’s Aspire C27 fits comfortably in nearly every space thanks to its slim design and can multitask well.
Apple M3 iMac The best all-in-one computer for creative users. The M3 iMac boasts a 4.5K Retina display that supports over a billion colors at once. Its visual image is nothing short of stunning.
Lenovo Yoga AiO The best AIO for content creation. It has a 27-inch 2K display that sits on an adjustable hinge.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 The best AiO computer for business. This Lenovo model is highly customizable. Users can pick and choose the hardware configuration that best suits their needs.


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Before buying an all-in-one computer, pay attention to the follow factors.

  • Design: Consider the size of an AIO computer, camera, and speaker placement, port locations, and its overall aesthetics. If you’re going to spend money on something, it should at least look good. 
  • Performance: AIO computers, as a whole, don’t perform as well as they could, as they’re meant to be easy-to-use, lightweight machines and often lack dedicated graphics processors. Still, keep an eye out for models that balance hosting hardware and affordability.
  • Display: Obviously, it’s important to want and have an AIO computer with a great-looking screen since you’ll be staring at one for hours. But also consider unique capabilities, such as touchscreen functionality.
  • Features: Lastly, consider the AIO’s full range of features, including its port options (such as does it have USB 4) or display capabilities.


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At ZDNET, we occasionally receive AIO computers for reviews. We use the model for a while, running it through benchmark tests and seeing firsthand where it excels and where it stumbles. Information from direct testing is also taken into account.

Once we’ve compiled a list, we separate the best of the best using the guidelines noted in the previous entry. We also consider the components the AIO has, available upgrades, how well it performs, the display’s size and type, and any additional features and ports. Additionally, there are certain factors we ignore. No point in taking portability into account when they commonly weigh over 20 pounds. 

Check ZDNET’s in-depth process in how we test laptops and computers. 


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Latest information on AIO computers in 2026

One downside of AIO computers is that new models are relatively infrequent. Years could go by, and the only good option from a particular brand is an AIO from 2023. At the time of this writing, we’re past the halfway point of 2026, and we’ve hardly seen any news on any upcoming models. We recently saw the launch of Lenovo’s Yoga AIO i Aura Edition, a Copilot+ PC with a 4K OLED display at 165Hz and a peculiar “floating” design. Instead of a traditional drab metal base, Lenovo’s Yoga AIO will sit on a glass foundation, giving the illusion that the screen is levitating. Adaptive Lighting will emanate from the bottom of the display for a cool ambient effect.

We are waiting for the release of the M5 iMac. It’s been two years since the release of the M4 model, and there has been no official news. We have seen a few rumors. Current online gossip claims that the M5 iMac will be released by the end of 2026 in a completely different set of colors from the M4 iMac alongside the M5 Max Mac Studio, M5 Mac Mini, and a couple of new MacBooks. 


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In case you don’t know, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system will stop receiving important security updates. Windows 10 will still work; however, after that date, it’ll be at the mercy of newly made malware that the OS will be vulnerable to. Your computer won’t be able to defend itself against online threats either.

That’s why every AiO PC on this list runs Windows 11, so you don’t have to deal with this problem. The current system will continue to receive support for the foreseeable future. Although it is possible to continue receiving support, if you’re willing to pay.

Also: Microsoft said my Windows 10 PC was no longer eligible for updates – so I used this secure alternative instead


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According to Lenovo, the average lifespan of an AIO computer is about five to eight years, though this depends on various factors. It depends on how often you use it, how well you maintain the machine, and whether you frequently install updates. It also depends on your needs as a user. They may change over time, and you’ll want a PC with more powerful hardware.


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Repairability is, by far, the biggest drawback to all-in-one computers. Internal components are “woven” into the chassis, so there’s little room for modification. This is done to save as much space as possible. Additionally, this leads to a short life span. After about four to eight years, you may begin to experience performance problems, and you’ll have to bring the entire system to a professional technician to fix it — if they can.

Another drawback is the lack of upgradability. That means you’re out of luck if, a year after you’ve bought the machine, you suddenly want more memory or a larger SSD. There’s also the price point to consider. AIO computers are typically more expensive than traditional desktop computers. 


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It all depends on your priorities. If you value having as few cables as possible, a degree of transportability, and space-saving and stylish design, AIOs are definitely for you. On the other hand, if you’re after powerful performance, upgradability, and repairability, then a traditional desktop PC is the way to go.


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AIO computers are ideal for users in confined spaces. The compact nature of the machines makes them perfect for receptionist desks, dorms, medical centers, and other settings that need desk space for other things.


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Latest updates

  • In our July 2026 update, I added the new Dell 24 AiO desktop and the Acer Aspire C24 to the main list.
  • In our January 2026 update, I added the Lenovo ThinkCentre M70a Gen 6 AIO to the main list. 
  • In our September 2025 update, we added a visualization chart to showcase all-in-one computer model comparisons. 
  • In our July 2025 update, we did research and added the Lenovo Yoga, Dell 24 All-in-One, and Asus M3402WFA computers to the list. We also refreshed some of the product listings.

Other computers to consider

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Dell

The Dell 27 AIO is the larger version of the Dell 24 AIO PC. It possesses many of the same features as its smaller counterpart, although the larger screen makes this computer much better suited for work.


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HP

If you’re looking to save some cash, HP’s 22-inch AIO is a solid budget AIO, and it’s on sale for just $320.


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Recent Reviews


Microsoft Excel handles temporal data effectively if you know which formulas to use. The problem is that Excel includes over 20 date and time functions, but most people only ever need a small core set to build powerful, self-updating workflows. These essential date functions turn messy timelines into automated systems you can actually rely on.

All examples in this guide use an Excel table (Ctrl+T) named ProjectTracker (pictured below). To follow along, download a free copy of the Excel workbook containing this table. After you click the link, you’ll find the download button in the top-right corner of your screen.

A structured Excel tracking table containing project tasks, start dates, and due dates.

Excel views your calendar as a massive string of numbers

The secret logic behind spreadsheet dates

Excel stores dates as serial numbers—starting at January 1, 1900—and displays them using date formats. For example, June 1, 2026 is stored internally as 46174. This allows you to perform arithmetic on dates, such as adding 7 to move forward one week.

Excel intentionally treats 1900 as a leap year for compatibility with older spreadsheet systems. This is not historically accurate, but it rarely affects modern workflows unless you’re working with very old date ranges.

Keep your timelines moving with real-time tracking

Creating a live project countdown with TODAY

If you currently update a “Today” cell manually each morning to keep deadlines accurate, Excel can replace that workflow with a dynamic function that always returns the current date.

To create a live countdown that updates automatically as time passes, add a new column with the following name, formula, and formatting:

Column Name

Days Remaining

Formula

=[@[Due Date]]-TODAY()

Number Format

General

When you press Enter, Excel may automatically format the result as a date instead of a number. That’s why you must select the table column and set the format to General in the Number group of the Home tab.

Each task displays the number of days remaining until its due date, with negative values indicating tasks that are already overdue.

The next time you open the workbook, the calculations will refresh and automatically update based on the new day.

Isolate specific time frames by breaking dates into pieces

Structuring reports with MONTH, YEAR, and WEEKDAY

When working with project schedules, full date values like 2026-07-24 are often too detailed for analysis. You may need to group tasks by month, summarize yearly progress, or identify scheduling issues like weekend start dates.

To extract the month, delete the Days Remaining column, then add a new one with these parameters:

Column Name

Month Due

Formula

=MONTH([@[Due Date]])

Number Format

General

Each task returns a numeric month value, such as 6 for June or 7 for July, making it easier to filter and group tasks by month.

To isolate the year for reporting across longer timelines, simply replace MONTH in the formula above with YEAR:

Column Name

Year Due

Formula

=YEAR([@[Due Date]])

Number Format

General

The numeric year component is successfully calculated for every row in the tracking table in Excel.

To identify scheduling issues, such as tasks that begin on weekends, you need a different approach because weekdays are not stored as simple calendar parts like month or year. Instead, Excel assigns each weekday a numeric position based on a selected system.

Here’s what to do in a new column:

Column Name

Weekday Due

Formula

=WEEKDAY([@[Start Date]], 2)

Number Format

General

With the 2 argument, Excel treats Monday as day 1 and Sunday as day 7. Without this argument, Excel uses its default system where Sunday is treated as day 1 and Saturday as day 7.

Each task now returns a number from 1 to 7, where values 6 and 7 correspond to Saturday and Sunday, making weekend starts easy to identify.

The numeric weekday component is successfully calculated for every row in the tracking table in Excel.

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Free trial

1 month

Microsoft 365 includes access to Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on up to five devices, 1 TB of OneDrive storage, and more.


Calculate exact working durations without the weekend clutter

Using NETWORKDAYS to measure real work time

Calendar-based durations often overstate actual work time. A task running from Friday to Monday appears to take four days, even though only two are working days.

So, to calculate true working days between project milestones, add this column:

Column Name

Working Days

Formula

=NETWORKDAYS([@[Start Date]], [@[Due Date]])

Number Format

General

Excel returns the total number of working days between the start and due dates, counting both endpoints when they fall on working days.

To include holidays, create a separate range containing vacation dates (for example, starting in cell F2). Then, select the first Working Days formula cell, and extend the formula to:

=NETWORKDAYS([@[Start Date]], [@[Due Date]], $F$2:$F$5)

Using absolute references ($) ensures the holiday range does not shift when the formula is filled down the table.

When you press Enter, you’ll see that the calculation now excludes both weekends and holidays.

If your workweek is non-standard, use NETWORKDAYS.INTL to define custom weekend rules.

Map future deadlines and end-of-month cutoffs

Using WORKDAY and EOMONTH for automated scheduling

Beyond tracking existing timelines, Excel can generate future dates based on rules such as working durations and billing cycles.

To calculate a projected completion date based on working days, remove the Due Date column, then add these two columns.

Column 1:

Column Name

Expected Duration

Values

Manually enter the number of working days.

Number Format

General

Column 2:

Column Name

Projected Finish

Formula

=WORKDAY([@[Start Date]], [@[Expected Duration]])

Number Format

Date

Excel returns a date representing the expected completion based on the specified number of working days. It automatically skips weekends and returns the next valid working date.

To calculate billing cutoffs that always land on month-end, use this workflow:

Column Name

Billing Cutoff

Formula

=EOMONTH([@[Start Date]], 0)

Number Format

Date

Excel returns the last day of the month for each task, making billing cycles consistent.

Planning ahead with month-based review dates

Shifting dates across months with EDATE

Not all scheduling problems are about counting days. In real project work, you often work in monthly cycles—such as scheduled reviews, audits, or check-ins that repeat at predictable intervals.

For example, if a project phase starts on a given date, and you need to schedule a formal review three months later, Excel has a built-in function designed exactly for this. EDATE shifts a date by a specified number of months while preserving the day of the month when possible.

Here’s how to use it:

Column Name

Review Date

Formula

=EDATE([@[Start Date]], 3)

Number Format

Date

This moves the start date forward by three full months. For example, if the start date is June 1, 2026, Excel returns September 1, 2026.

You can also move backward in time when planning earlier review checkpoints, such as retrospective checks or pre-launch assessments. In those cases, you use a negative value:

=EDATE([@[Start Date]], -2)

Unlike day-based subtraction, EDATE respects calendar structure, making it more reliable than manually shifting dates.


Take control of your spreadsheet timelines

Ignoring Excel’s built-in date tools often leads to hours of manual updates and fragile spreadsheets. By understanding how Excel stores dates and using functions designed to work with them, you can build schedules that update themselves and forecast future milestones automatically. Once you’ve mastered tracking time with formulas, the next step is visualizing it—turn your data into a dynamic timeline that updates as your project evolves.



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