Being able to subtract numbers in Google Sheets is one of the most basic but one of the most important spreadsheet calculations. In this article we will show you exactly how to subtract in google sheets using the minus sign (-) and the MINUS function along with sample formulas and examples.
The minus sign (-) in Google Sheets can be used to subtract individual numbers but we can also use the SUM function to deduct numbers from a range as well. In this example we will use a created dataset to demonstrate exactly how we will perform this by utilizing subtract to find the total amount of each item. We will then apply a further subtraction to a range of data. Click here to view the dataset and follow along.
In the dataset select the empty cell next to the two amounts to subtract.
In the empty cell deduct the second amount from the first by entering the formula:
=Value1 - Value2
Formula Breakdown:
Value1: This is the value that Value2 will be deducted from and can be a target cell reference or numerical value.
- : The minus sign is used in Google Sheets to subtract
Value2: This will be the value deducted from Value1 and can be a target cell reference or numerical value.
In this example we will specify the cell target references by entering:
=C4-D4
Alternatively we can manually input the numerical amounts into the formula:
=35-3.5
Press enter and the formula will deduct the second value from the first and the selected cell will be populated with the results.
We will now use the SUM function along with the minus(-) sign in Google Sheets to deduct the additional coupon discount from the overall total range.
In the dataset select the empty cell where the new total will be populated.
Input the following formula:
=SUM(Target Range) - Value
Formula Breakdown:
=SUM: This calls the SUM function in Google Sheets
Target Range: This is a cell range and will be totaled in this equation
- : This is the operator used to subtract
Value: The amount to be deducted from the target range
In this example or formula will be:
=SUM(E4:E6)-B9
Google Sheets has a function specifically for subtraction. This function can be used for individual numbers and target cells alike.
The syntax for the MINUS function in Google Sheets is:
=MINUS (Value1, Value2)
Syntax Breakdown:
=MINUS: This is the MINUS function in Google Sheets and used for subtracting the specified values
Value1: This will be the amount Value2 will be deducted from, this can be a cell target or an individual number.
Value2: This will be deducted from Value1
We will now use the MINUS function in our example dataset, this can be accessed by clicking here:
In the dataset select an empty cell, be sure to select a cell next to the amounts to be subtracted:
In the empty cell enter the MINUS function as:
=MINUS (Value1, Value2)
Formula Breakdown:
=MINUS: The function called so Google Sheets knows to deduct the following values
Value1: This will be the amount Value2 will be deducted from, this can be a cell reference or individual number. In our example it will be: C4
Value2: This will be the amount deducted from Value1 and can be a cell reference or individual number. In our example it will be: D4
For our example the MINUS function formula will be:
=MINUS(C4,D4)
In Google Sheets We can also choose to input the numerical values in the formula instead of cell references:
With the formula inserted select enter to see the results.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on how to subtract times in Google Sheets or our article on rounding numbers in Google Sheets.
If you want to learn how to export email addresses from Google Sheets or how to multiply in Google Sheets, we also suggest checking out our detailed guide.
