How to Subtract on Excel

Welcome to this blog post where we will explore the simple yet fundamental technique of subtracting in Microsoft Excel. Although Excel is famous for its wide range of advanced functions, it’s important not to overlook the basic arithmetic functions that are vital to the core functionality of the software. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, you will find this guide helpful to quickly acquaint yourself with the process of subtracting values in Excel.

Welcome to this blog post where we will explore the simple yet fundamental technique of subtracting in Microsoft Excel. Although Excel is famous for its wide range of advanced functions, it’s important not to overlook the basic arithmetic functions that are vital to the core functionality of the software. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, you will find this guide helpful to quickly acquaint yourself with the process of subtracting values in Excel.

Preparing Your Worksheet

The first step in subtracting values in Excel is to prepare your worksheet. Open a new or existing worksheet and type in the values you need to subtract. For this guide, we will be using the sample data shown in the screenshot below.

Subtracting Values Using Excel Formula

The simplest and most common way to subtract values in Excel is by using formulas. In a new cell, type the equal sign “=” to start a formula and add the cell containing the first value you want to subtract. Then, type the minus sign “-” followed by the cell containing the second value. For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A2 from the value in B2, you would type “=B2-A2” in a new cell.

Subtracting Values Using AutoSum Function

If you want to subtract multiple values at once, you can use Excel’s AutoSum function. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction and click on the “AutoSum” button. In the “Function” dropdown menu, select “SUM” and highlight the cells you want to subtract. Finally, press “Enter” to subtract the values.

Now that you’ve learned how to subtract values in Excel using different methods, you can easily perform complex calculations and streamline your work process. This fundamental function is essential for a broad range of tasks, from balancing a budget to predicting a sales forecast.

Using Absolute Cell References

When subtracting values in Excel, cell references are relative by default. This means that their position will change if you copy and paste a formula to another cell. To avoid this problem, you can use absolute cell references. Simply add a dollar sign ($) before the column letter and row number to make them fixed. For example, if you want to subtract the sales tax from the total price, you can use the formula “=B2-$C$2” to ensure that the tax rate stays the same.

Subtracting Negative Numbers

Subtracting negative numbers can be tricky in Excel. By default, Excel will treat a negative number as a subtraction operation. For example, if you enter “=-5” in a cell, Excel will display “-5” in the cell. If you want to subtract a negative number, you need to enclose it in parentheses. For example, if you want to subtract negative 5 from 10, you would enter “=10-(-5)” in a cell.

Subtracting Dates and Times

Excel can subtract dates and times just like regular numbers. The result will be displayed as a number that represents the difference between the two dates or times in days, hours, minutes, or seconds. To subtract a later date from an earlier date, simply subtract the earlier date from the later date. For example, if you want to know how many days are left until your vacation, subtract today’s date from the date of your departure.

Final Thoughts

Subtracting values in Excel is a fundamental skill that every user should have. By mastering the basic arithmetic functions and learning some tips and tricks, you can make your work much more efficient and accurate. Whether you’re using Excel for personal or professional purposes, the ability to subtract values will come in handy in many different situations.

FAQs

It’s common to have questions about basic arithmetic functions such as subtraction on Excel. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding how to subtract values in Excel.

Can I subtract values in Excel without using a formula?

Yes. You can subtract values in Excel using the AutoSum function. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction and click on the “AutoSum” button. Highlight the cells you want to subtract and press “Enter.”

How do I subtract multiple values at once in Excel?

To subtract multiple values at once in Excel, use the AutoSum function. Select the cell where you want to display the result of the subtraction and click on the “AutoSum” button. In the “Function” dropdown menu, select “SUM” and highlight the cells you want to subtract. Press “Enter” to subtract the values.

What is the difference between relative and absolute cell referencing?

Relative cell referencing changes its position if you copy and paste a formula to another cell. On the other hand, absolute cell referencing stays fixed regardless of where the formula is copied. Simply add a dollar sign ($) before the column letter and row number to make them fixed.

How do I subtract negative numbers in Excel?

To subtract a negative number, enclose it in parentheses. For example, to subtract negative 5 from 10, you would enter “=10-(-5)” in a cell.

How do I subtract dates and times in Excel?

To subtract dates and times in Excel, subtract a later date or time from an earlier date or time to get the elapsed time between them. The result will be displayed as a number that represents the difference between the two dates or times in days, hours, minutes, or seconds.