How to subtract on excel

Answer

To subtract in Excel, use the minus operator (-) between cell references or numbers in a formula that starts with an equals sign (=).

Basic Subtraction Formula

The basic subtraction formula follows this pattern: =A1-B1, where A1 contains the number you're subtracting from (minuend) and B1 contains the number you're subtracting (subtrahend).

Excel processes subtraction formulas from left to right. The formula =10-3-2 calculates to 5, subtracting 3 from 10 first, then subtracting 2 from the result.

Subtracting Multiple Cells

You subtract multiple cells by chaining minus operators: =A1-B1-C1-D1. This formula subtracts the values in cells B1, C1, and D1 from the value in A1.

The SUM function combined with a minus sign provides another method: =A1-SUM(B1:D1). This formula subtracts the sum of cells B1 through D1 from A1.

Subtracting Entire Columns or Rows

To subtract values across entire columns, enter a formula in the first cell and copy it down. Enter =A1-B1 in cell C1, then drag the fill handle down to apply the formula to the entire column.

Excel automatically adjusts cell references when copying formulas. The formula =A1-B1 becomes =A2-B2 in the next row, =A3-B3 in the following row, and continues this pattern.

Subtracting Fixed Values

Absolute references keep a cell reference constant when copying formulas. The formula =$A$1-B1 always subtracts from cell A1, while B1 changes to B2, B3, and so forth when copied down.

You create absolute references by adding dollar signs before the column letter and row number, or by pressing F4 (Windows) or Command+T (Mac) after selecting the cell reference in the formula bar.

Subtracting Dates and Times

Excel stores dates as serial numbers, making date subtraction straightforward. The formula =B1-A1 calculates the number of days between two dates when B1 contains the later date and A1 contains the earlier date.

Time subtraction works similarly. Excel represents time as decimal fractions of a day. The formula =B1-A1 returns the time difference when both cells contain time values.

Using the MINUS Function Alternative

Excel lacks a dedicated MINUS function, but the subtraction operator (-) handles all subtraction needs. Complex calculations combine subtraction with other functions: =AVERAGE(A1:A10)-STDEV(A1:A10) subtracts the standard deviation from the average.

Handling Negative Results

Negative results appear with a minus sign by default. Excel displays -5 when subtracting 10 from 5.

You format negative numbers differently through the Format Cells dialog (Ctrl+1 on Windows, Command+1 on Mac). Options include red text, parentheses, or custom formats.

Subtracting Percentages

To subtract a percentage from a number, use the formula: =A1*(1-B1) where A1 contains the original value and B1 contains the percentage as a decimal. The formula =100*(1-0.20) calculates an 80% value of 100, effectively subtracting 20%.

Direct percentage subtraction uses: =A1-A1*B1. This formula subtracts 20% of 100 from 100 when A1 contains 100 and B1 contains 0.20 or 20%.

Common Subtraction Errors

The #VALUE! error occurs when subtracting non-numeric data. Excel cannot subtract text, and empty cells are treated as text.

The #REF! error appears when a formula references deleted cells. Deleting row 2 breaks the formula =A2-B2 in another cell.

Circular reference warnings occur when a cell's formula refers to itself. Cell A1 containing =A1-B1 creates a circular reference.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Subtraction

Windows users press Alt+= to insert the AutoSum function, then modify it for subtraction. Mac users press Command+Shift+T for the same function.

The F2 key (Windows) or Control+U (Mac) edits the selected cell's formula directly. The Escape key cancels formula editing without saving changes.

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