Subtract In Google Sheets

What Is Subtract In Google Sheets?

Subtract in Google sheets, as the name suggests, helps users subtract and find the remaining in the Google sheets. To find the remaining of the subtracted values, we can use MINUS function or simply, the (-) sign in Google sheets. It is similar to the methods we use to find the subtracted result in Excel. We can also use the SUM function in Google sheets to subtract the data. For example, consider the below table showing data 1 and data 2 in column A and B, respectively.

Now, let us subtract the values and find the result in Google sheets. To begin with, select the cell where we want to find the result and enter the formula with minus sign (-). So, the complete formula is =A2-B2. Press Enter key. We will be able to see the result in cell C2, as shown in the below image.

In this article, let us learn how to find subtracted values in Google sheets with detailed examples.

Subtract() Google Sheets Formula

Subtract in Google sheets can be performed with MINUS function.

The formula or syntax of MINUS function in Google sheets is =MINUS(value1,value2)

where

• Value1 is the first value to be subtracted and value 2 is the second value used for the subtraction process
• Both the values are mandatory

How To Use Subtract Function In Google Sheets?

We can subtract the values in Google sheets in 3 ways. They are:

• Use the Minus sign
• Use the MINUS Function
• Use the SUM function

In this section, let us learn the method to use all 3 methods.

#1 – Use The Minus Sign

Using the minus sign does not use any function but uses the minus sign (-).

The steps to use the minus sign to find the subtracted result are:

• Step 1: To begin with, enter the data and select the cell where we want to find the result.
• Step 2: Next, enter the equal to (=) and select the first value. Then, press the minus sign (-).
• Step 3: Select the second value to be subtracted.
• Step 4: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in the active cell.

Likewise, we can use the minus sign to find the subtracted result.

#2 – Use The MINUS Function

This method uses the inbuilt MINUS function to find the subtracted result.

The steps to use the MINUS Google sheets function are:

• Step 1: To begin with, enter the data and select the cell where we want to find the result.
• Step 2: Next, insert the MINUS function by either typing =MINUS or =M and selecting the MINUS function. Alternatively, we can also select Insert tab and click on Functions. Then, click All and choose MINUS function to insert the MINUS function in Google sheets.
• Step 3: Then, select the cells to insert in the formula.
• Step 4: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in the active cell.

Likewise, we can use the MINUS function to find the subtracted result.

#3 – Use The SUM Function

This method uses the inbuilt SUM function to find the subtracted result. Usually SUM function is used to find the total of values. But, since MINUS function uses only two arguments, we need to use the SUM function to find the total of multiple values and finally, use the MINUS function to subtract the values.

The steps to use the SUM Google sheets function are:

Step 1: To begin with, enter the data and select the cell where we want to find the result.

Step 2: Next, insert the SUM function by either typing =SUM or =S and selecting the SUM function. Alternatively, we can also select Insert tab and click on Functions. Then, click Math and choose SUM function to insert the SUM function in Google sheets.

Step 3: Then, select the cells to insert in the formula. After finding the total in both the columns, we can insert the MINUS function in Google sheets or use the minus sign (-).

Step 4: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in the active cell.

Likewise, we can use the SUM function to find the subtracted result.

So, we have seen all the three methods used to subtract the values in Google sheets.

Examples

Now, let us learn how to subtract in Google sheets with the following detailed examples.

Example #1

For example, consider the below table showing values in column A and B, respectively.

Now, let us subtract the values and find the result in Google sheets using minus sign (-).

The steps are:

Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in Google sheets In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:C5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, we need to select the cell C2.

Step 2: Next, insert the minus sign between the two values.

So, the complete formula is =A2-B2.

Step 3: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in cell C2, as shown in the below image.

Now, using AutoFill option, we will be able to see the result in cell range C3:C5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use the subtract in Google sheets with minus sign.

Example #2 – Subtract Multiple Cells

For example, consider the below table showing values in column A.

Now, let us subtract the values and find the result in Google sheets.

The steps are:

Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:A5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, we need to select the cell A6.

Step 2: Next, insert the minus sign between the values.

So, the complete formula is =A2-A3-A4-A5.

Step 3: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in cell A6, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use the minus sign to subtract multiple cells in Google sheets.

Example #3 – Subtract Columns

For example, consider the below table showing value 1 and value 2 in column A and B, respectively.

Now, let us subtract the values in the two columns and find the result in Google sheets.

Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, we need to select the cell C2.

Step 2: Next, insert the MINUS function by either typing =MINUS or =M and selecting the MINUS function.

Step 3: Then, select the cells A2 and B2 to insert in the formula.

So, the complete formula is =MINUS(A2,B2)

Step 4: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in the cell C2.

Now, using AutoFill option, we will be able to see the result in the cell range C3:C5.

Likewise, we can use the MINUS function in Google sheets to find the subtracted value in two columns.

Example #4 – Subtract Matrices

For example, consider the below table showing values in column A and B, respectively.

Now, let us subtract the values in matrices and find the result in Google sheets.

Step 1: To begin with, we need to insert the data in Google sheets. In this example, the data is available in the cell range A1:B5. Next, we need to select the cell where we want to find the result. In this example, we need to select the cell C2.

Step 2: Next, insert the ARRAYFORMULA function in Google sheets.

So, the complete formula is =ARRAYFORMULA(A3:B5-C3:D5)

Step 3: Press Enter key.

We will be able to see the result in the cell range E3:F5, as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can use the ARRAYFORMULA in Google sheets with matrices.

Important Things To Note

• Subtract in Google sheets is useful to find the remaining result of values.
• To subtract values, we can
  • Using the Minus sign
  • Using the MINUS Function
  • Using the SUM function

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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