Understand Excel Formulas
To subtract two or more numbers in Excel, create aformula.
This way, you won’t have to rewrite the entire formula.
The results of the formula update automatically when the cell data changes.
Another option is to mix cell references and actual data (see row 4 of the example below).
When you select a cell, that cell reference is added to the formula.
key in theequal sign(=) into cell D3 to begin the formula.
Select cellA3with the mouse pointer to add that cell reference to the formula.
The cell reference appears after the equal sign.
jot down aminus sign(-) after the cell reference.
Select cellB3to add that cell reference to the formula.
The cell reference appears after the minus sign.
Press theEnterkey to complete the formula.
The answer 5 appears in cell D3.
You now know how to use cell references in an Excel formula.
The answer in cell D3 automatically updates to reflect the change in data in cell B3.
A common mistake is selecting outside of the formula cell to leave formula-editing mode.
This inserts the selected cell into the formula.
Instead, when you’re done editing a formula, pressEnterto leave formula-editing mode.
In the example, placing A3-B3 inside parenthesis before /A5 subtracts 5 from 10 before dividing by 20.
The result of this formula is 0.25.
If the parenthesis were not used in this formula, the result would be 9.75.
