Calculate days

I need to know a formula that will take say: A1 and compare it to B1. Both A1 and B1 are dates in this format : 15 may 05.

I would like to be able to be able to have it say that a1 (15 may 05) and b1 (20 may 05) = 5 days.

any ideas.

=B1-A1&" days"

Will this formula take into account if say the dates are months apart? say 51 days?

Yes... every day in excel is represented by a numerical value. 1 = 1/1/1900, 3 = 1/3/1900.

If you take 1/3/1900 - 1/1/1900 you will get 2 or (3 - 1 = 2)

in the formula I am just adding "days" onto the end

so if you calcultae the difference between 5/16/2000 and 1/1/1900 (or 36,662 - 1) you will get "36,661 days" as the formula result

Thanks for the explanation as I am one that generally needs one.... Much appreciation