How to Subtract Two Cells in Microsoft Excel
In Microsoft Excel, subtracting values from two cells is a fundamental skill for efficient data manipulation. Whether you’re a student tracking expenses or a business professional analyzing financial data, mastering this function is essential.
How to Subtract Two Cells in Microsoft Excel
Subtracting values in Microsoft Excel is a powerful function that helps you manipulate data effectively. Here’s how you can do it:
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Step 1. Select the Cell for the Result
Choose the cell where you want the subtraction result to appear. Click on it to select it. This is where the formula for subtraction will be entered.
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Step 2. Start the Formula with “=”
In the selected cell, type “=” without the quotation marks. This signifies the beginning of a formula in Excel.
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Step 3. Reference the First Cell
After “=”, click on the cell containing the first value you want to subtract from. This cell will be referenced in the formula.
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Step 4. Input the Subtraction Operator “-“
After referencing the first cell, type “-” (minus sign) without the quotation marks. This tells Excel you want to subtract the next value from the first one.
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Step 5. Reference the Second Cell
After “-“, click on the cell containing the value you want to subtract. This cell will be referenced as the second value in the formula. Once you’ve entered the formula correctly, press the Enter key on your keyboard. Excel will calculate the subtraction and display the result in the selected cell.
You may also find valuable insights in the following articles offering tips for Microsoft Excel:
FAQs
Can I subtract cells in Excel without using a formula?
No, subtraction in Excel requires the use of a formula to calculate the difference between two cells.
What if one of the cells I want to subtract from is empty?
If one of the cells is empty, Excel will treat it as a zero, and the subtraction will proceed accordingly.
Can I subtract cells from different worksheets?
Yes, you can subtract cells from different worksheets by referencing their respective sheet names in the formula.
Is there a limit to the number of cells I can subtract at once?
No, you can subtract values from as many cells as needed in a single formula in Excel.
Can I use the subtraction formula with non-numeric values?
No, the subtraction formula in Excel only works with numeric values; attempting to subtract non-numeric values will result in an error.