How to subtract in Excel and Google Sheets

Excel & Google Sheets

=A2-B2

Try it with your data

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Sample data — click any cell to edit

Cell row 1 column 1	Cell row 1 column 2
Cell row 2 column 1	Cell row 2 column 2
Cell row 3 column 1	Cell row 3 column 2
Cell row 4 column 1	Cell row 4 column 2

Formula

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Step by step

1Click the result cell.
2Type =A2-B2 to subtract B2 from A2.
3To subtract several cells from a starting value, use =A2-SUM(B2:B10).

Tips

Subtracting dates gives the number of days between them: =B2-A2.
Wrap negative results you want hidden in an IF or use a custom number format.

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Frequently asked

Is there a SUBTRACT function?

No. Excel and Google Sheets use the minus operator (-). For many values, subtract a SUM, e.g. =A2-SUM(B2:B10).

Formulas used

SUM IF

Written and reviewed by FormulaCraft Team. Each formula on this page is run through our verification engine before publishing.

Last reviewed: May 28, 2026