How to Subtract Two or More Numbers in Excel
Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that allows users to perform various mathematical functions, including subtraction. While many may feel intimidated at the thought of subtracting multiple numbers in Excel, the process is actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of how to subtract two or more numbers in Excel.
Step 1: Open a new Excel Worksheet
The first step is to open a new Excel worksheet by clicking on the Microsoft Excel icon on your computer or by searching for it in the Start menu. Once you’ve opened Excel, select a new worksheet by going to the File menu and clicking on New Workbook.
Step 2: Enter your Numbers
Next, you’ll need to enter the numbers you want to subtract. For example, let’s say you want to subtract the numbers 10, 5, and 3. Enter these numbers in three separate cells.
Step 3: Use the SUM Function
To subtract these numbers, you’ll need to use the SUM function. The SUM function can be found under the Formulas tab in the toolbar.
Step 4: Input the Cell References
Next, in the SUM function, you’ll need to input the cell references of the numbers you want to subtract. This will tell Excel which numbers to subtract. For example, if you entered the numbers 10, 5, and 3 in cells A1, A2, and A3, respectively, your SUM function should look like this: =SUM(A1:A3).
Step 5: Calculate the Difference
Hit enter after inputting the SUM function, and Excel will automatically calculate the difference between the numbers you entered. In our example, the difference would be 2 (10-5-3=2).
Step 6: Format the Result
Finally, you may want to format the result. To do this, click on the cell containing the result and use the formatting options in the toolbar to adjust the font, size, and color.
In Conclusion
Subtracting two or more numbers in Excel may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps. By inputting the numbers into separate cells, using the SUM function, and formatting the result, you can easily calculate the difference between any set of numbers. So go ahead, give it a try – you might just be surprised at how simple it is!