How to do subtraction in Excel?

Subtraction in Excel is primarily achieved by creating a formula that uses the minus operator (-). This allows you to subtract numbers directly, values from different cells, or even calculate differences between dates and times.

Subtracting Numbers Using Cell References

This is the most common and flexible way to perform subtraction in Excel, allowing you to reference values stored in different cells. When you change the numbers in the referenced cells, the result of your formula will automatically update.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare your data: Enter the numbers you want to subtract into separate cells. For instance, type 5 in cell C1 and 3 in cell D1.
2. Start your formula: Select the cell where you want the result to appear (e.g., E1). Type an equal sign (=) to begin the formula. All Excel formulas start with an equal sign.
3. Enter the cell references: After the equal sign, type the cell reference of the number you want to subtract from, followed by a minus sign (-), and then the cell reference of the number you want to subtract. For our example, you would type C1-D1.
4. Get the result: Press Enter. Excel will display the result of the subtraction in the chosen cell. Using our example numbers (5 in C1, 3 in D1), the result in E1 would be 2.

Subtracting Numbers Directly in a Formula

You can also subtract specific numbers directly within a formula without needing to place them in cells first. This is useful for quick calculations or when the numbers are constants.

Example: To subtract 10 from 50, you would type =50-10 into any cell and press Enter. The result would be 40.

Subtracting Multiple Numbers

To subtract more than two numbers or a list of numbers from a single value, you can extend the basic formula or use functions like SUM.

Subtracting Multiple Numbers from a Single Value

If you want to subtract several numbers (e.g., from cells A2, A3, A4) from a single value (e.g., in A1), you have a couple of common approaches:

• Simple Chain Subtraction:
  =A1-A2-A3-A4
  This formula directly subtracts each subsequent cell from the initial value.
• Using the SUM Function:
  =A1-SUM(A2:A4)
  This method is more efficient for many numbers. It first sums the values in the range A2 through A4, and then subtracts that total from A1.

Subtracting a Value from a Range of Numbers

If you need to subtract the same number from a column or row of numbers, you can use absolute references and Excel's AutoFill feature.

1. Enter the value you want to subtract (e.g., 10) in a dedicated cell, let's say B1.
2. Enter your list of numbers in a column, for example, in cells A1, A2, A3, and so on.
3. In cell C1, type the formula =A1-$B$1. The $ signs create an absolute reference to cell B1, meaning that when you copy the formula, B1 will always be referenced, not relative cells.
4. Drag the fill handle (the small green square at the bottom-right corner of cell C1) down the column. Excel will automatically apply the formula, subtracting the value in B1 from each corresponding number in column A.

Subtracting Dates and Times

Excel handles dates and times as serial numbers, making subtraction straightforward for calculating durations or age.

• To find the number of days between two dates: If you have an earlier date in cell A1 and a later date in cell B1, use the formula =B1-A1. The result will be the number of days between them.
• To calculate the difference between two times: If you have a start time in cell B1 and an end time in cell A1, use =A1-B1. You might need to format the result cell to [h]:mm to display hours and minutes correctly.

Common Subtraction Scenarios in Excel

Here's a quick reference for common subtraction tasks in Excel: