Excel is a powerful tool that can help you perform various calculations and analysis. One of the most common calculations that people perform in Excel is subtraction. The formula for subtraction in Excel is called the “SUBTRACT” formula, and it is very easy to use.
What is the SUBTRACT Formula?
The SUBTRACT formula is a basic Excel formula that allows you to subtract two or more numbers from each other. The formula is very easy to use and can be used in a variety of different ways. The formula is as follows: =A1-B1
In this formula, A1 and B1 are the two cells that you want to subtract from each other. You can use any cell references that you want, as long as they contain numbers that you want to subtract from each other.
How to Use the SUBTRACT Formula
Using the SUBTRACT formula in Excel is very easy. All you need to do is select the cell where you want the result to be displayed, and then enter the formula in that cell. Once you have entered the formula, Excel will automatically calculate the result and display it in the selected cell.
For example, if you want to subtract the value in cell A1 from the value in cell B1, you would enter the following formula in cell C1: =B1-A1
Using the AutoSum Feature
Excel also has a handy feature called “AutoSum,” which allows you to quickly add up a column or row of numbers. You can also use the AutoSum feature to subtract numbers. Here’s how:
- Select the cell where you want the result to be displayed.
- Click on the “AutoSum” button in the “Editing” group on the “Home” tab.
- Select the range of cells that you want to subtract from each other.
- Press the “Enter” key.
Excel will automatically calculate the result and display it in the selected cell.
Using the SUM Function
The SUM function is another useful Excel formula that can be used to add up a range of cells. However, the SUM function can also be used to subtract numbers. Here’s how:
- Select the cell where you want the result to be displayed.
- Type =SUM(
- Select the range of cells that you want to subtract from each other.
- Type a closing parenthesis and press the “Enter” key.
Excel will automatically calculate the result and display it in the selected cell.
Using the MINUS Function
The MINUS function is an Excel formula that can be used to subtract one or more numbers from each other. The MINUS function is very similar to the SUBTRACT formula, but it allows you to subtract more than two numbers from each other. Here’s how to use the MINUS function:
- Select the cell where you want the result to be displayed.
- Type =MINUS(
- Select the first number that you want to subtract.
- Type a comma (,) and select the second number that you want to subtract.
- Type a comma (,) and select any additional numbers that you want to subtract.
- Type a closing parenthesis and press the “Enter” key.
Excel will automatically calculate the result and display it in the selected cell.
Using the AVERAGE Function
The AVERAGE function is an Excel formula that can be used to calculate the average of a range of cells. However, you can also use the AVERAGE function to subtract numbers. Here’s how:
- Select the cell where you want the result to be displayed.
- Type =AVERAGE(
- Select the range of cells that you want to subtract from each other.
- Type a closing parenthesis and press the “Enter” key.
Excel will automatically calculate the result and display it in the selected cell.
Conclusion
Subtracting numbers in Excel is a very simple process. There are several different formulas and functions that you can use to subtract numbers, depending on your needs. Whether you are subtracting two numbers or several numbers, Excel has the tools that you need to get the job done quickly and easily.
