How to use Subtraction Formula in Excel?

Subtraction Formula in Excel Definition with Formula:

There is no proper subtraction formula in excel. We can minus in excel using the “-” sign.

Formula: Value1-Value2

Explanation with Example Questions:

After teaching the concept of SUM function to her children, Brenda decides to teach subtraction formulas in excel. She sits in the living room and prepares some questions.

  • Subtract Columns in Excel
  • Subtract Multiple Cells in Excel
  • Subtract Dates in Excel
  • Subtract Time in Excel
subtraction in excel table

Now, coming to the answers:

Subtract Columns in Excel

Carly solves this problem by subtracting Column1 and Column2.

subtract in excel img1

Formula: =E6-F6

Answer: 49

After applying the subtraction formula in excel to one cell (H6), apply this to the entire column H by either drag down from the bottom right of the H6 cell or using the Fill option.

Subtract Multiple Cells in Excel

subtract in excel img2

Formula: =G10-G11-G12

Answer: 12

Subtract Dates in Excel

To subtract dates in excel, Carl uses DATEDIF Function. Carl knows from his school excel lessons that he can’t minus dates in excel using the standard “-” sign. We can get the number of days, months or years as the output of this function.

subtract in excel img3

Formula: =DATEDIF(E6,F6,”d”)

“d” is for days; “m” for months; “y” for years.

Answer: 204 days

Subtract Time in Excel

To subtract time in excel, use the minus “-” in excel.

**Instead of writing time in AM or PM form, write in 24 Hour clock form.

subtract in excel img4

Formula: =F6-E6

Answer: 15:20:00 which means 15 hours 20 minutes

** Remember to change the format of cells to TIME instead of General. (refer to the below image)

subtract in excel img5

After the long evening session of teaching Excel to her children, Brenda sits calmly on her chair and enjoys her cup of coffee with some muffins. It’s a perfect end of the day for Brenda.

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