Excel Subtract Formula: minus one cell from another

There is no SUBTRACT function. Excel uses the minus sign, exactly like a calculator.

Steps

1. Budget in A2, spent in B2.
2. Click C2. Type =A2-B2. Enter.

Result: 180.

Subtract a whole column

Drag C2 down. Each row subtracts its own B from its own A.

Subtract a fixed number

Every price minus a 50 discount: =A2-50. Or discount in E1, locked: =A2-$E$1.

Subtract several cells

=A2-B2-C2-D2

Or one total minus a group: =A2-SUM(B2:D2).

Subtract dates

=B2-A2 gives the days between two dates. See days between dates.

Subtract a percentage

Take 20% off: =A2*(1-20%). Details in percentage formula.

Check it worked

Change B2 to 0. C2 should equal A2.

Common mistakes

#VALUE! — one cell holds text. Convert to number.

Negative answer in brackets like (140) — that is just accounting format. Ctrl + Shift + ~ resets it.