subtract formula in excel for multiple cells

For the first item listed below (pencils), this could be done by making the value of the total price (cell D2), the value of the unit price (held in cell C2) multiplied by the number of items ordered (held in D2). It would make sense to enter the things you know in advance (like the price of individual items and the number ordered), but you could let Excel calculate the totals for you. You could put together a spreadsheet like the one below, with the list of items to be purchased, their unit prices, the number of each item ordered, and the total spent for each. Let's say you were putting together an office supply order, and you wanted to keep track of much you were spending. If you change E5 to 7, the result will automatically change to 18. (Note: all formulas in Excel need to be preceded by an “=” sign.) If the values contained in E5 and E6 are 6 and 11, respectively, the formula will produce 17 as the value it displays. For example, a formula that adds the contents of cell E5 and E6 could be written as follows: Thanks for stopping by.Formulas in Excel are basically mathematical expressions that use cell references (e.g., “A5”,” D17”) as arguments. 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. 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.

Before we begin, remember one important thing: all Excel formulas must begin with an equal sign.

Subtract formula in excel for multiple cells