How to Create Running Subtraction Total in Excel (2 Easy Ways)

Microsoft Excel allows us to estimate different types of data and carry out monetary, mathematical, and statistical computations. You can manipulate numbers with Excel by adding large columns of numbers, calculating percentages, or creating graphs and charts. Excel spreadsheets can also be used to create a running total by subtraction using a simple formula. In this article, you will learn how you can get a running total by subtraction in Excel. Now let’s get started!

Running Subtraction Total in Excel: 2 Easy Methods

To demonstrate how to create a running total by subtraction using a simple formula, I have taken a concise dataset of 11 rows and 6 columns, which are Region, Rep Name, Item, Units, Unit Cost and Total. In this article, we are going to use the Excel 365 version. You can use any other version according to your convenience.

Now, let’s go through the following part of this article.

1. Using Basic Subtraction Formula in Excel

In this method, we are going to use the basic subtraction formula, also known as the minus formula, to create a running subtraction total in Excel. To do this, I have added a new column named Running Subtraction Total, where I will show the running subtraction total. Let’s go through the below steps.

📌 Steps:

• Enter the starting value of $6,860 in cell H5.
• In cell H6, enter the formula: =H5-G6 and press Enter.

Now, copy the formula to the lower cells to create a running total.

• Click on cell H6.
• Move the cursor to the bottom right corner, then click and drag the cell downward to drag the formula down the column.

This will automatically update the cell references in the formula to reflect the relative position of each cell. So you won’t have to rewrite the formula for each cell.

2. Using the SUM Function to Create a Running Subtraction Total

In this method, we will use the SUM function to create a running subtraction total in Excel. You can do this by following the easy steps below.

📌Steps:

• Enter the starting value of $6,860 in cell H5.
• In cell H6, enter the formula: =SUM(H5-G6) and press Enter.

Now, copy the formula to the lower cells to create a running total.

• Click on cell H6.
• Move the cursor to the bottom right corner, then click and drag the cell downward to drag the formula down the column.

This will copy the SUM formula to the lower cells, so you won’t have to rewrite the formula for each cell.

Read More: Cumulative Sum in Excel If Condition Applied

How to Subtract Percentage in Excel

If you want to simply subtract one percentage from another, you can use the well-known minus formula. That will work perfectly. To show this, I have added 3 new columns named Total Work, Accomplished, and Remaining. The Remaining column is the result column.

Now follow the below steps.

📌Steps:

• In cell J5, enter the formula: =H5-I5 and press Enter.

Now, copy the formula to the lower cells to subtract the percentage.

• Click on cell J5.
• Move the cursor to the bottom right corner, then click and drag the cell downward to drag the formula down the column.

This will copy the formula to the lower cells, so you won’t have to rewrite the formula for each cell.

Read More: How to Calculate Running Total in One Cell in Excel

How to Subtract Dates in Excel

Suppose you want to subtract dates from your dataset. The simplest way to subtract dates in Excel is to enter them individually in separate cells and subtract one from the other. The syntax will be:

To demonstrate the process, I have added 3 new columns named Order Date, Delivery Date, and Duration(Days). Here, the Duration(Days) column is the result column. Now follow the below steps.

📌 Steps:

• In cell J5, enter the formula: =I5-H5 and press Enter.

Now, copy the formula to the lower cells to subtract dates like the previous methods.

How to Subtract Time in Excel

If you want to subtract time in Excel, you can do that too. The formula for subtracting time in Excel is built in a similar way. The syntax is:

I have added 3 new columns named Start Time, End Time, and Elapsed Time. Here, the Elapsed Time column is the result column. Now follow the below steps.

📌 Steps:

• In cell J5, enter the formula: =I5-H5 and press Enter.

Now copy the same formula to the lower cells to subtract times so you won’t have to rewrite the formula for each cell.

Read More: How to Calculate Running Total by Group Using Excel Power Query

How to Do Matrix Subtraction in Excel

In this part of the article, I will show you how you can do matrix subtraction when you have two sets of values (matrices).

I have two matrices named Matrix 1 and Matrix 2. I have another matrix named Result to show the output after subtraction.

Now follow the below steps accordingly.

📌 Steps:

• Insert the normal subtraction formula (=B5-F5)  in the top leftmost cell which is D10.
• Now drag it to the next 2 columns and 2 rows.

You can copy rightward and downward to as many cells as your matrices have rows and columns.

Here is the final output matrix after subtracting Matrix 1 and Matrix 2.

Read More: How to Calculate Horizontal Running Total in Excel

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I subtract multiple cells from a total in Excel?

You can subtract multiple cells from a total in Excel as well. I hope the attached article from ExcelDemy will help you get your answer.

• How do you add and subtract totals in Excel?

Yes, you can add and subtract totals in Excel easily. The attached article will help you get a clear understanding of this issue.

Key Takeaways from the Article

1. In this article, I have shown how to create a running total by subtraction in Excel.
2. A chosen real-life dataset for better understanding.
3. Focusing on how to create a running total by subtraction with some easy ways in Excel.
4. Explained different subtracting approaches with Excel.
5. Showed how to subtract time and date in Excel.
6. Provide solutions to frequently asked questions of readers.
7. Overall, focused on creating a running total by subtraction in Excel.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook here:

Conclusion

In this article, I’ve explained how to quickly create a running total in Excel by subtracting. This will help you work faster and more efficiently. I hope you found this article informative and enjoyable. Let me know in the comments section if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations.