How to Minus in Excel

Welcome to this tutorial on how to minus in Excel! Excel is a powerful software that can perform complex calculations with ease. Subtracting numbers is one of the most common calculations performed in Excel. When you subtract one value from another, you get the difference between the two. In this tutorial, we will show you how to perform this operation in Excel in various ways. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this tutorial will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills required to minus in Excel.

Subtracting in Excel using the minus sign (-)

The simplest way to minus in Excel is by using the minus sign (-). To subtract one value from another, you simply need to enter the two values in two cells, select the cell where you want the result to appear, and type the formula “=cell1 – cell2” (without the quotes). For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from the value in cell B1, you would enter “=B1-A1” in the cell where you want the result to appear.

Subtracting in Excel using the SUM function

Another way to subtract in Excel is by using the SUM function. This might seem counterintuitive since the SUM function is usually used to add values, but it can also be used to subtract. To use the SUM function to subtract one value from another, you need to enter the values in two cells as before, then use the formula “=SUM(cell1,-cell2)” (without the quotes). For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from the value in cell B1, you would enter “=SUM(B1,-A1)” in the cell where you want the result to appear.

Subtracting in Excel using the MINUS function

Excel also has a built-in MINUS function that subtracts one value from another. To use the MINUS function, you need to enter the values in two cells as before, then use the formula “=MINUS(cell1,cell2)” (without the quotes). For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from the value in cell B1, you would enter “=MINUS(B1,A1)” in the cell where you want the result to appear.

Subtracting in Excel using AutoSum

AutoSum is another built-in feature in Excel that can be used to subtract values. To use AutoSum to subtract values, follow these steps:

Step 1:

Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

Step 2:

Click on the AutoSum button in the Home tab of the Excel ribbon.

Step 3:

Type the cell reference of the value you want to subtract from in the formula bar, then type a minus sign (-), then type the cell reference of the value you want to subtract, then press Enter. For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from the value in cell B1, you would type “B1-A1” in the formula bar, then press Enter.

Performing calculations in Excel can seem daunting, but hopefully, this tutorial has shown you how easy it is to minus in Excel. Whether you choose to use the simple minus sign, the SUM function, the MINUS function, or AutoSum, the result is the same. Next time you need to subtract values in Excel, you can use any of these methods with confidence.

When to use negative numbers in Excel

When performing calculations in Excel, it’s important to understand when to use negative numbers. Negative numbers are typically used to represent a decrease or a loss. For example, if you subtract expenses from revenue, the result will be a profit or loss, and a negative number would indicate a loss. While minus formulas can be used without negative numbers, using them can help you visualize your data and better understand the results.

Subtracting dates in Excel

Excel can also be used to subtract dates in order to determine the number of days between two dates. Subtracting dates in Excel is a bit different than subtracting values, but the process is still simple. To subtract two dates in Excel, enter the two dates in two separate cells, select the cell where you want the result to appear, and type the formula “=cell2 – cell1” (without the quotes). The result will be the number of days between the two dates.

Subtracting time in Excel

Excel can also be used to subtract time in order to determine the amount of time passed between two events. Subtracting time in Excel is similar to subtracting dates, but the format of the cells needs to be changed in order to display the result as time. To subtract two times in Excel, enter the two times in two separate cells, select the cell where you want the result to appear, and type the formula “=cell2 – cell1” (without the quotes). To display the result as time, format the cell as a time format.

Common mistakes when subtracting in Excel

Despite its simplicity, subtracting in Excel is not immune to mistakes. One common mistake is forgetting to use parentheses in the formula when there are multiple operations involved. Another common mistake is mistyping the cell reference in the formula, which can lead to incorrect results. To avoid these mistakes, it’s always a good idea to double-check your formulas before submitting them, and to use the Evaluate Formula feature to break down complex formulas.

Whether you need to subtract values, dates, or time in Excel, there is an easy formula or function to help you do it. Remember to use negative numbers when appropriate, and to double-check your formulas to avoid common mistakes. With these tips, you’ll be able to subtract in Excel like a pro.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about subtracting in Excel:

What is the difference between using the minus sign and the MINUS function?

While both methods produce the same result, using the MINUS function is more explicit and easier to understand. It’s also more versatile in complex formulas with multiple operations. However, for simple calculations, using the minus sign (-) is perfectly fine and quicker.

Can I subtract more than two values at once in Excel?

Yes, you can use any of the methods outlined in this post to subtract multiple values in Excel. Simply follow the same steps, but include the cell references or values for all the values you want to subtract.

What if the values I want to subtract are in different worksheets?

You can still subtract values that are in different worksheets by using the sheet name as a prefix to the cell reference in the formula. For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from Sheet1 from the value in cell B1 from Sheet2, you would enter “=Sheet2!B1-Sheet1!A1” in the cell where you want the result to appear.

Can I subtract dates in Excel?

Yes, subtracting dates in Excel is a common operation that can be performed using the same techniques we’ve discussed for subtracting values. Simply enter the dates in two separate cells, and subtract them using one of the methods outlined in this post.

Can I subtract time in Excel?

Yes, you can subtract time in Excel using the same techniques we’ve discussed for subtracting values. However, you’ll need to format the cell where you want the result to appear as a time format in order to display the result as time.