Let's take an example of a simple formula. Simple formulas always start with an equal sign ( ), followed by constants that are numeric values and calculation operators such as plus ( + ), minus ( - ), asterisk ( ), or forward slash ( /) signs. The formula in cell D2 is =B2-C2.įor a complete tutorial on Excel math, see our tutorial Excel Math Basics: Writing Formulas and Expressions. You can create a simple formula to add, subtract, multiply or divide values in your worksheet. In the worksheet example, we want to know the profit we make on each item we sell by subtracting our cost from our selling price. If you enter =4−1 in a spreadsheet cell, Excel will return an answer of 3. To subtract numbers in Microsoft Excel, use the formula =A−B, where A and B are numbers, cell references, or formulas that return a numerical value. (Though not as efficient for the user, the formula (=B1+B2+B3+B4) would produce the same result.) How to Subtract Two Numbers In the example below, our formula in cell B5 is =SUM(B1:B4).īegin the formula with an equal sign, and inside the parentheses enter the range's starting cell and ending cell, separated by a colon. When totaling rows, columns, or any cell range with more than a few cells, it's much more productive to use the SUM function of Excel. We typed =b1+b2, but Excel automatically capitalizes letters. In the worksheet above, the formula in cell C2, =B1+B2, sums 1st and 2nd quarter earnings to calculate first half total earnings. If you enter =4+2 in a spreadsheet cell, Excel returns an answer of 6. X and Y can be numbers, cell addresses (e.g. To add two numbers in Microsoft Excel, type the formula =X+Y into the cell where you want the answer displayed. Comparison operators You can compare two values with the following operators.

Before we begin, remember one important thing: all Excel formulas must begin with an equal sign. Arithmetic operators To perform basic mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division combine numbers and produce numeric results, use the following arithmetic operators.

Subtraction formula for excel