If the company has many employees and different employees have different deductions, the HR professional may apply a specialized subtraction formula that automatically performs the correct calculations for each specified value. In this spreadsheet, they might use a subtraction formula to subtract withholdings and deductions from each employee's base pay to calculate their net salary for each pay period. This allows you the flexibility to perform calculations for specified values to arrive at figures that fit your needs.Īs an example, a human resources professional might use a spreadsheet to track employee payroll data. For example, if you're working in a spreadsheet that contains extensive amounts of data, you may use specific formulas to indicate a range cell values to include in the calculation.

Although users can enter equations into the program to perform simple subtractions, such as subtracting one value from another, they may also use it to complete more complex calculations. Users apply subtraction formulas when they need to subtract two or more values. Why would you use a subtraction formula in Excel? Knowing which formula to use based on the output goal allows the user to apply the right formula to fulfill their needs.

For example, users input a different formula to subtract two values than they would to subtract a cell range from a single value. The formula for performing subtractions depends on what type of subtraction the user wishes to conduct. Since the program doesn't include any embedded functions to perform subtractions, users need to apply formulas manually to perform these tasks.

Related: The Top 11 Advanced Excel Skills To Have on Your Resume What is a subtraction formula in Excel?Ī subtraction formula is a formula that users apply to perform specific calculations in the program.

In this article, we explain what subtraction formulas are, describe when you might use them and outline the process for how to create subtraction formulas in Excel for different purposes. Learning about subtraction formulas and how to create them in your spreadsheet may help you perform specific and accurate calculations. One Excel skill that professionals may need to know is how to create and apply subtraction formulas to complete specific calculations. Knowing how to use Excel is an important workplace skill.

Excel formula subtract columns