modify() : Modifying date object to add or subtract date and time parameters in PHP

This is another way to add or subtract a date object with different month , days ,year , hour , minutes , sec etc.
This function is supported by PHP 5.2 or higher versions. So if you are running 5.2 version the you can use modify function as add or subtract functions are supported by PHP 5.3 and higher only.

How to know PHP version ?

Here is an example on how to use modify function.

<?Php
date_default_timezone_set ("Asia/Kolkata");
$date1=new DateTime("now") ; // current date
echo $date1->format('d-m-Y');
echo "<br>";
$date2=$date1->modify('+5 day');
 echo $date2->format('d-m-Y');
?>

The output is here

09-09-2026
14-09-2026

We can change the highlighted line like this

$date2=$date1->modify('+3 month +5 day -1 year ');

Output of this change is here

09-09-2026
14-12-2025

Including Time

<?Php
date_default_timezone_set ("Asia/Kolkata");
$date1=new DateTime("now") ;
echo $date1->format('d-m-Y H:i:s');
echo "<br>";
$date2=$date1->modify('+5 day +6 hours +20 minutes +30 seconds ');
echo $date2->format('d-m-Y H:i:s');
?>

Output is here ( based on today's date and time). Refresh this page and check the changes in time.

09-09-2026 22:24:35
15-09-2026 04:45:05

Using fixed date and leap year

$date = new DateTime('2024-02-29 12:00:00');
$date2=$date->modify('+1 year +5 hours');
echo $date2->format('d-m-Y H:i:s');

Output is here

01-03-2025 17:00:00

PHP Date Functions Timestamp in PHP Displaying calendar for selection of date by user

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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modify() : Date modify

Including Time

Using fixed date and leap year

Subhendu Mohapatra