Excel Add and Subtract (Complete Guideline)

In this article, you will learn about Excel functions and features to add and subtract.

Addition and subtraction are fundamental mathematical operations that serve various purposes. They have extensive use cases in finance, data analysis, budgeting, project management, scientific research, and many other fields.

Addition and subtraction features enable individuals and organizations to make accurate calculations, informed decisions, and efficient resource management.

Excel offers various formatting options, functions, and features to enhance the accuracy and precision of addition and subtraction operations. We are going to discuss them in this tutorial.

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How to Add in Excel

1. Add Numbers in Excel

Method 1: Add Numbers with Operator

You can just connect a series of numbers directly with the addition operator (+).

Or, you can also use relevant cell references to add numbers using an operator.

Method 2: Add Numbers Using SUM Function

To add numbers using the SUM function in a range, apply the following formula:

2. Get a Quick Total in Excel

To get the sum of a range with just one click, select the range and navigate to the bottom of the Excel window. Excel properties will show the sum of the selected range.

3. Using AutoSum Feature

AutoSum feature inserts the sum function and returns the sum of a range.

Just select the cell under the range > go to the Home tab > click the AutoSum feature under the Editing group.

This command will insert the sum function for the range.

4. Add Time in Excel

If you want to add a time format, just use the cell reference and connect them with the Addition operator (+).

5. Add Days to Date in Excel

You can add days to date using 3 different approaches:

• Using the addition operator
• Using the DATE function
• Using the TODAY function

6. Add Percentage in Excel

To add the percentage of a number to that number, apply the following formula:

Don’t forget to use the absolute cell reference if the percentage value is in a separate cell.

How to Subtract in Excel

1. Subtract Columns in Excel

If you want to subtract two specific columns, then subtract the first cells from the relevant columns first.

Then drag the Fill Handle tool down to copy the formula un till the last pair of cells for the columns.

2. Subtract Same Cell from a Column

To subtract the same cell from a similar column, lock the cell to subtract in the formula by pressing the F4 key and then applying the subtraction operator.

3. Subtract Multiple Cells from Same Cell

If you want to subtract multiple cells from the same cell, put that cell in the first position in the formula and then keep using the subtraction operator consecutively to connect the cells to subtract.

4. Subtract Time in Excel

Whether your time format is 24 hours or 12 hours, just subtract them with the subtraction operator just like you subtract numbers.

5. Subtract Dates in Excel

To subtract dates in Excel, you can follow 3 ways:

• Just subtract with the subtraction operator
• Using the DATEDIF function
• Using the TODAY function

Notice the image below for your reference.

6. Subtract Percentage in Excel

To subtract the percentage of a number from that number, you can apply the formula below.

7. Subtract Matrix in Excel

When you have two matrices (two sets of values) and you want to delete similar elements among the matrices, then apply the following formula:

This is an array formula. So don’t forget to press the CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER key and you will see curly brackets which indicate the array formula.

8. Subtract Portion of Cell Value

8.1. Case-Sensitive

To subtract text from a cell value, you can use a combination of TRIM and SUBSTITUTE functions.

However, this formula is case-sensitive.

8.2. Case-Insensitive

If you want a case-insensitive formula to perform the same task, apply a combination of TRIM, REPLACE, SEARCH, and LEN functions.

9. Subtract Two Lists in Excel

Let’s say you have two lists whereas one list is smaller and you want to subtract the smaller list from the larger list. In that case, you can use a combination of IF and COUNTIF functions.

How to Add and Subtract in One Formula in Excel

1. Add and Subtract Multiple Cells from One Cell

Let’s say, you want to add a range of multiple cells and then subtract the summation from a single cell. So, in that case, you have to perform addition and subtraction in a single formula.

2. Add and Subtract in Multiple Columns

Let’s say, you have two ranges of values. First, you want to add the values distinctively and then subtract the summation of those values. So, apply the following formula to perform this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I add or subtract numbers in Excel while ignoring errors?

Ans: You can use the IFERROR function to ignore errors.

2. Can I add or subtract numbers in Excel with decimal precision?

Ans: Yes, you can definitely add or subtract numbers in Excel with decimal precision.

Takeaways from the Article

• The addition operator (+) is used to combine values and find their sum, while the subtraction operator (–) is used to find the difference between values.
• Formulas like “=SUM()” and “=A1-B1” enable you to add and subtract numbers in Excel.
• You can perform addition and subtraction on multiple cells at once using the SUM function.

Conclusion

So now we know about the features and functions of Excel to add and subtract. Whether you’re managing finances, analyzing data, or planning projects, the ability to accurately add and subtract numbers is essential.

By understanding the importance of addition and subtraction, users can gain the ability to efficiently manipulate numerical data. It will also empower a user to become a proficient user capable of performing complex calculations

Excel Add and Subtract: Knowledge Hub

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