Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that is widely used in offices and workplaces around the world. It can help you perform various tasks including data entry, calculation, and analysis. One of the most elementary tasks in Excel is subtraction. In this article, we will learn how to subtract in Excel.

Performing Subtraction in Excel

Excel has a built-in formula for subtraction, which is easy to use. Follow these simple steps to subtract in Excel:

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a blank worksheet.

2. Enter the values you want to subtract in two adjacent cells. For example, enter the value 10 in cell A1, and the value 5 in cell A2.

3. Once you have entered the values, select the cell where you want the result to appear. For example, select cell A3.

4. In the formula bar or the formula box at the top of the worksheet, type “= A1 – A2,” and press enter.

5. Excel will calculate the result and display it in the cell that you selected in step 3. In this example, the result 5 will appear in cell A3.

6. You can also copy the result to other cells by selecting the cell containing the result, clicking on the right mouse button, and dragging the cursor to the cells where you want to copy the result. Release the mouse button to paste the result.

Using AutoSum

Excel also has an automatic function called an AutoSum. This function can save you time and effort by automatically calculating the results of a selected range of cells. Follow these steps to use AutoSum in Excel:

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

2. Click on the formula tab on the Excel ribbon.

3. Click on the AutoSum button located on the right side of the screen.

4. Drag the cursor to the cells you want to subtract.

5. Excel will automatically enter the formula with the range of cells you had selected.

6. Press enter, and the result will appear in the cell you had selected.

Using the MINUS Function

Excel also has a built-in MINUS function that subtracts two or more values from a cell. Follow these steps to use the MINUS function:

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

2. Click on the formula tab on the Excel ribbon.

3. Click on the “fx” button located on the left side of the formula bar.

4. In the “Insert Function” dialog box, select “MINUS” from the list of functions.

5. Enter the cell references of the cells you want to subtract.

6. Press enter, and the result will appear in the cell you had selected.