How to Substract on Excel

Welcome to our Excel tutorial! In this post, we will explore the process of subtracting in Excel. Excel offers a variety of built-in functions and options that can help simplify mathematical calculations, and subtraction is no exception. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clear understanding of how to subtract on Excel, regardless of the complexity of the numbers involved. So, whether you’re new to Excel or seeking to improve your skills, read on to learn everything you need to know about subtracting on Excel.

Understanding Subtraction in Excel

Subtraction in Excel involves calculating the difference between two numbers. It is a common arithmetic operation in Excel, and it can be used in various ways like calculating how much money you save over time or how much weight you’ve lost over a week. Subtraction on Excel can be done using different techniques, but the most straightforward method is by using the minus sign (-) or the subtraction formula.

Using the Minus Sign (-)

The easiest way to subtract in Excel is by using the minus sign (-) operator. To subtract one number from another:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction.
2. Start typing the formula with an = sign.
3. Type the first number with the minus sign (-) followed by the second number. For example, to subtract the value in cell A2 from that in cell B2, you would write =B2-A2
4. Hit enter to display the result.

Using the Subtraction Formula in Excel

The subtraction function in Excel is also simple to use and can help when you’re working with more extensive datasets. Here is how to use the subtraction formula:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction.
2. Type the formula with an = sign, followed by the name of the function, i.e., ‘SUBTRACT’ or just ‘MINUS.’ You can also use the formula as ‘-.’
3. Type in the numbers you want to subtract, separated by commas.
4. Hit enter to display the result.

For example, if you want to subtract the values in cells A2 and B2 and display them in C2, you would write one of the following formulas:

• =SUBTRACT(A2, B2) or = A2-B2

Excel is a powerful tool that has many features that make calculations easy. Subtraction is a fundamental operation in Excel, and mastering it can set you on the path to understanding more complex features. Using the methods described above, you can subtract in Excel with ease and work more efficiently.

Subtracting Time in Excel

Subtracting time in Excel is an essential function when dealing with timesheets or tracking hours. One of the challenges of subtracting time is that if you simply subtract, you will get incorrect results if the time exceeds 24 hours. Excel can handle time calculations that span more than 24 hours if you use the correct formula.

To subtract time in Excel, use the following formula:

=End Time – Start Time

Excel recognises each time as a fraction of a day, where one day equals 24 hours (or 1). For example, 1:30 PM would be expressed in Excel as 0.625 since 1 day, 6 hours, 15 minutes is 15/24 + 6/24 + 13/24*60/60 = 0.625.

If you want to express the result as a time, format the cell as time instead of a number. If you want the total hours, format the cell as a number, and multiply the result by 24.

Subtracting Numbers in a Column

Subtracting numbers in a column is an excellent way to analyse data, especially when dealing with expenses or revenues. Excel has a built-in option called the ‘SUM’ function that can add up the values in a column and subtract them from a value in another cell.

To subtract numbers in a column:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction.
2. Start typing the formula with an = sign.
3. Type the value you want to subtract from in the first cell, and subtract the column’s total using the ‘SUM’ function. For example, =250-SUM(A2:A10)
4. Hit enter to display the result.

You can adjust the range for any amount of data you want to subtract from the selected cell. Using the ‘SUM’ function allows you to save time and avoid errors when performing financial analysis, especially when dealing with large datasets.

This tutorial covered the essential steps required to subtract on Excel. Subtraction is a fundamental arithmetic operation that can be used to calculate various sums, including time, columns, or any numerical data. Excel’s built-in options like the minus sign and subtraction formula, as well as the ‘SUM’ function, make subtraction easier and more efficient, saving you time and reducing errors in your calculations.

FAQ

Here are frequently asked questions and answers related to subtraction on Excel:

Can you subtract dates in Excel?

Yes, you can subtract dates in Excel. Excel will treat dates as numerical values, with one day equal to one. To subtract dates, you can either use the minus sign or the ‘DATEDIF’ function.

What do I do if I get a negative value after subtraction?

A negative value after subtraction can indicate that the result is smaller than one of the original values. If this is expected, then the result is correct. However, if a negative value is not expected, you should check the formulas and ensure that you are subtracting the values in the correct order.

How do I subtract time greater than 24 hours on Excel?

To subtract time greater than 24 hours on Excel, you need to use the ‘TIME’ function. The ‘TIME’ function will accurately handle times that exceed 24 hours by returning the value in terms of h:mm:ss.

Can I subtract in Excel without formulas?

Yes, you can subtract in Excel without formulas by simply using the minus sign. This method will work for simple subtraction. However, if you need to subtract a column of numbers or do more complex calculations, then using the subtract formula or the ‘SUM’ function will be more efficient.

What is the difference between the minus sign and the subtract formula?

The minus sign (-) performs the subtraction operator in Excel, and the subtract formula ‘=SUBTRACT()’ is a built-in function that subtracts numbers in Excel. Although both methods will give you the result of a subtraction, using the subtract formula is more versatile because it can handle more complex calculations.