How to Subtract in Excel
Open Excel., Click Blank workbook (PC) or Excel Workbook (Mac)., Enter your data if necessary., Click an empty cell., Type "=" into the cell., Type in a cell's name., Type - into the cell., Type in another cell's name., Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Open Excel.
It's a green app with a white "X" on it.
If you would rather use a pre-existing Excel document, instead double-click the Excel document in question. -
Step 2: Click Blank workbook (PC) or Excel Workbook (Mac).
It's in the top-left side of the "Template" window., To do so, click a cell, type in a number, and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return., This will select the cell., Exclude the quotation marks.
You'll always type an "equals" sign prior to inserting a formula in Excel., This should be a cell with data from which you wish to subtract other cells' value(s).
For example, you would type "C1" to select the number in cell C1. , You'll see it appear after the number you entered., This should be a cell whose value you wish to subtract from the first cell's name.
You can repeat this process with multiple cells (e.g., "C1-A1-B2"). , Doing so will calculate the formula entered in the cell and replace it with the solution.
You can click on the cell to view the original formula in the text bar directly above the row of letters. -
Step 3: Enter your data if necessary.
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Step 4: Click an empty cell.
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Step 5: Type "=" into the cell.
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Step 6: Type in a cell's name.
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Step 7: Type - into the cell.
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Step 8: Type in another cell's name.
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Step 9: Press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return.
Detailed Guide
It's a green app with a white "X" on it.
If you would rather use a pre-existing Excel document, instead double-click the Excel document in question.
It's in the top-left side of the "Template" window., To do so, click a cell, type in a number, and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return., This will select the cell., Exclude the quotation marks.
You'll always type an "equals" sign prior to inserting a formula in Excel., This should be a cell with data from which you wish to subtract other cells' value(s).
For example, you would type "C1" to select the number in cell C1. , You'll see it appear after the number you entered., This should be a cell whose value you wish to subtract from the first cell's name.
You can repeat this process with multiple cells (e.g., "C1-A1-B2"). , Doing so will calculate the formula entered in the cell and replace it with the solution.
You can click on the cell to view the original formula in the text bar directly above the row of letters.
About the Author
Kathryn Phillips
Kathryn Phillips has dedicated 4 years to mastering advertising. As a content creator, Kathryn focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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