When you export your report, the booking date and time are often combined in the same cell. Splitting them into separate columns makes calculating dates much easier!

1. Insert a new empty column directly to the right of your Booking Date column (for example, column W). Video guidance on how to add or remove a row or column in Excel.
2. Select and highlight all filled cells in the Booking Date column.
3. Click on the Data tab in Excel.

• Select the Text to Columns option.

• Click 'Next' on the pop-up window.

1. Tick the 'Space' box
2. Click 'Next'.

• Click 'Finish'.

Your booking date and booking time will now sit neatly in separate columns!

To ensure Excel calculates the number of days accurately, make sure your date column uses a standard date format.

1. Highlight your Booking Date column, right-click, and select Format Cells....
2. Choose the Date category.

1. Select the dd/mm/yyyy format (such as 14/03/2012).
2. Click OK.

Video guidance on how to format numbers in cells on Microsoft Excel

Now you can calculate the exact lead time in days!

1. Insert a new column where you prefer your lead time data to appear (for example, directly to the right of column B). Video guidance on how to add or remove a row or column in Excel.
2. In cell C4 of your newly inserted column, enter the formula for: =(Arrival Date column) - (Booking Date column) (for example, =B4-W4).

1. Set the cell formatting to zero decimal places, as lead time counts whole days. Video guidance on how to format numbers in cells on Microsoft Excel
2. Copy the formula down to the bottom of the report using Excel's drag tool. Video guidance on how to copy a formula down a column or row in Excel

You will now have the lead time in days for all bookings on your report, providing clear insight into how many days in advance guests book!