Determining the precise age of a subject, often necessary for demographic analysis, research studies, or record keeping, can be readily achieved within Google Sheets. This involves using formulas to compare a birth date with the current date or a specified target date. For example, subtracting a birth date from the current date yields the age in days, which can then be converted to years, months, and days using various functions. The `DATEDIF` function provides a particularly efficient method for calculating age in various formats.
Accurate age calculation facilitates data analysis requiring age stratification or cohort analysis. It provides essential information for applications ranging from medical research and social sciences to financial planning and customer relationship management. Before the advent of readily available spreadsheet software, such calculations were often performed manually or with less versatile tools. The ability to automate this process within a spreadsheet streamlines workflows and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual calculation.