How to Make a Number Negative in Excel

If you are looking for a quick and simple way to make a number negative in Excel, you have come to the right place. Perhaps you have a set of numbers that are stored as positive values, but you need to convert them to negative values in order to perform a certain calculation or generate a report. Whatever the reason, changing a number to negative in Excel is easy, and can be done in just a few simple steps. In this post, you will learn how to make a number negative in Excel using the simple mathematical formula, through formatting, and with the help of built-in Excel functions.

Method 1: Using the Minus Operator

The simplest and fastest way to make a number negative in Excel is by using the minus operator. You can do this by adding a minus sign (-) before the numerical value. Here is how it works:

1. Select a cell where you want to place the negative number.
2. Type an equal sign (=) to begin the formula.
3. Type the number you want to convert to negative, or select the cell that contains the number.
4. Place a minus sign (-) before the number or cell reference and press Enter.
5. The formula will return the same numerical value you specified but in negative form.

Example

Suppose you have the number 250 in cell A1, and you want to make it negative. To do this, type the following formula into cell B1, with the minus sign first:

=-A1

Method 2: Using Formatting Options

Excel provides a variety of formatting options that allow you to display negative values in certain ways. Here’s how to use formatting options:

1. Select the cell or cells that you want to format as negative.
2. On the Home tab, look for the Number group and click the small arrow located on the bottom right of the group.
3. In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the Number tab.
4. In the Category list, choose ‘Custom.’
5. In the Type box, enter the following format code: 0; -0.
6. Click OK to apply the formatting changes.

Example

Suppose you have the number 120 in cell A1, and you want to format it as a negative number. Follow the steps above, and when you click OK, the number will appear in cell A1 as -120.

Method 3: Using Excel Built-in Functions

Another way to make a number negative in Excel is by using built-in functions. Here’s how to do this:

1. Select a cell where you want to place the negative number.
2. Type an equal sign (=) to begin the formula.
3. Type the ABS function, which returns the absolute value of a number, and enter the number you want to convert to negative in parentheses.
4. Place a minus sign before the formula and hit Enter.
5. The formula will return your value converted to its negative form.

Example

To make the number 90 negative in cell A1, type this formula in cell B1:

=-ABS(A1)

In conclusion, there are various ways to make numbers negative in Excel. Whether you choose to use the minus operator, formatting options, or Excel functions, converting values is simple and easy.

Tips for Working with Negative Numbers in Excel

Working with negative numbers in Excel can be tricky, so we have compiled a few tips to help you work more effectively with them:

1. Use parentheses to clarify negative values: Starting a negative number with a minus sign can sometimes confuse readers. A better alternative is to put a pair of parentheses around the negative value to make it clearer.
2. Use conditional formatting to highlight negative numbers: Conditional formatting can be used to highlight cells that contain negative values. This makes it easier to see and analyze them, especially in large datasets.
3. Use negative numbers carefully in formulas: Negative numbers can cause issues in certain formulas, especially when using division and percentages. Make sure to always double-check your work when using negative numbers in formulas.
4. Learn to use the negative numbers in charting: Most Excel charts can handle negative numbers, but not all of them will display them in the same way. Take some time to learn how to chart negative numbers effectively in Excel to make graphs that display your important data correctly.

In Excel, making numbers negative is a vital process in data analysis. It’s a simple task, but is fundamental for calculations and data formatting. You can make a number negative in Excel by multiplying it by -1, by using Excel’s built-in functions or by formatting cells to display negative numbers. As always with Excel, practice and experimentation are key to mastery.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making numbers negative in Excel:

Can I change a range of cells to negative at once?

Yes. You can simply highlight the range of cells that you want to change to negative and apply any of the three methods mentioned in this blog post. You can use the multiplication method, formatting options, and built-in functions to apply the changes to all the selected cells at once.

What is the difference between displaying negative numbers with formatting and actually making them negative?

Formatting negative numbers with brackets or a minus sign does not change the actual value. The negative sign is just cosmetic and changes the way the value is displayed. However, when you make numbers negative, you actually change their value, which affects any calculations that might use it.

Can I use negative numbers in formulas and functions?

Yes. You can use negative numbers in formulas and functions the same way you use positive numbers. Just remember to take note of the proper syntax and format, especially when using division or percentages.

What is the best way to chart negative numbers in Excel?

Excel has various charting options for displaying negative numbers, and the best way to chart them depends on the data and the purpose of the chart. Some chart types that are effective for displaying negative numbers include column charts, stacked column charts, and line charts.

Are negative numbers always represented by a minus sign in Excel?

No. In some cases, Excel may represent negative numbers with parentheses instead of a minus sign. This is called “accounting format” and is used to emphasize negative values in financial spreadsheets.