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How to Subtract Numbers in the Latest Version of Excel | 2020 Step-By-Step Guide

Nowadays, Microsoft Excel is one of the most important computer programs as it plays a vital role in many sectors. Programmers, data entry experts, professionals, administrators, numerous businesses, and organizations use this program for their useful tools and features. In short, most companies use Microsoft Excel for proficiency. And it should be no surprise that developing your Excel skills is crucial. 

For instance, if you have advanced Excel skills, the probability of getting hired increases. Not only this, but it also makes you a valuable employee. Typically, employers prefer candidates who have at least basic MS Excel knowledge. 

Here’s a list of what the basic Microsoft Office skills are. 

  • Determining, analyzing and improving a company’s strategic goals
  • Calculating a company’s budget and profit
  • Recording data and data entry inputs 

At the heart of all these actions lie the basic arithmetic operations for real numbers, which are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In this article, we will focus on subtraction. More precisely, how you can subtract numbers in the latest version of Microsoft Excel, so let’s get started. 

How to Subtract Numbers in the Latest Version of Excel

As mentioned above, one of the four basic arithmetic operations is subtraction. The result of the process of taking one number or amount away from another is called a difference. Further, subtraction is signified by the minus sign. But how can one subtract easily in the latest Microsoft Excel version? 

Typically, adding and subtracting in Excel is easy. You can either do it manually or use the SUM formula (Adds all the numbers in a range of cells). Moreover, the following subtraction formula works for numbers, percentages, dates as well as times. Let’s take a look at the easiest way to subtract numbers in Excel for beginners. 

How to Subtract Two or More Numbers In a Cell 

Step 1: Click the blank cell you want the result to appear in. 

Step 2: Type an equal sign (=) to start the formula.

Step 3: Now, you can type two or more numbers. However, they must be separated by a minus sign (-). 

For instance, 100-50-25-5

 

 

Step 4: Press the ENTER/RETURN key on your keyboard.

Moreover, if you have used the number above, you should be able to see the result is 20.

How To Subtract Two or More Numbers Using Cell References 

Step 1: Click on cell B1 and type a number. 

Step 2: Once you are ready, click on cell C1 and type a number again. 

For instance, a 4 in B1 and a 2 in C1. 

Step 3: In cell D1, type an equal sign (=) to start the formula.

Step 4: Now, after the equal sign, type B1-C1. (or mark the cells at once)

Step 5: Press the ENTER/RETURN key on your keyboard.

Further, if you have used the number above, you should be able to see the result is 2. 

 

How To Subtract Two or More Numbers Using Cell References 2

 

Note! 

  • If you change the value of B1 or C1 and then press ENTER/RETURN, the value of D1 will change, even though the formula did not.
  • If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.

Moreover, to shorten the formula, especially if there are many numbers involved in the equation, you can use the SUM function. For instance, the formula below subtracts the values in the range A2:A10 from the value in cell A1. 

 

formulaHow To Subtract Two or More Numbers Using Cell References How to Subtract Two or More Numbers In a Cell  2How to Subtract Two or More Numbers In a Cell 
How to Subtract Numbers in the Latest Version of Excel | 2020 Step-By-Step Guide