what is the subtraction formula in excel

Copying this formula down column C replicates. Formulas you can automatically perform include sum, subtraction, percentage, division, average, and even dates/times. If you used the example numbers, the result is -2. Subtraction in Microsoft Excel Microsoft 365 505K subscribers Subscribe Share 188K views 3 years ago Microsoft Excel Subtract values in Microsoft Excel using the minus sign (-). Using the format A1+B1 or A1-B1 in cell C1 adds or subtracts the values in the first row of columns A and B. Excel formulas help you identify relationships between values in the cells of your spreadsheet, perform mathematical calculations using those values, and return the resulting value in the cell of your choice. If you don't see the status bar, on the View menu, click Status Bar.

On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum=. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, under Number, click General on the pop-up menu. If you used the example numbers, the result is 2. In cell E1, type an equal sign ( =) to start the formula. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula. For example, to subtract 2 and 5 from 15, apply the formula 15-2-5. It begins with the comparison operator equal to () followed by the first number, the minus sign, and the second number. If you use the example numbers, the result is 32.Ī cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. The subtraction formula in excel facilitates the subtraction of numbers, cells, percentages, dates, matrices, times, and so on. We can also subtract cells from each other. For example, to subtract 5 from 12 we use the formula 12-5. The total is 86.Ĭlick any blank cell, and then type an equal sign ( =) to start a formula.Īfter the equal sign, type a few numbers that are separated by a minus sign (-). To subtract in Excel, use the minus sign (-) arithmetic operator. On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum.

Type a few numbers in a column, or in a row, and then select the range of cells that you just filled. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.

If you change the value of C1 or D1 and then press RETURN, the value of E1 will change, even though the formula did not.

What is the subtraction formula in excel