How to Subtract in Excel Based on Criteria (3 Examples)

Example 1 – Subtraction of Excel Data Based on Empty Cell

Suppose we have a dataset with empty cells. We want to subtract cell values based on certain criteria using the IF function. Follow these steps:

3 Examples to Subtract in Excel Based on Criteria

In cell F5, enter the following formula and press Enter:

=IF(C5<>"",B5-C5,IF(D5<>"",B5-D5,IF(E5<>"",B5-E5,"")))

3 Examples to Subtract in Excel Based on Criteria

Use the Fill Handle (+) tool to copy the formula down to cells F6 to F10.

We will get the below output:

How Does the Formula Work?

This formula checks if cells C5, D5, and E5 are not empty. If any of them contain a value, it subtracts that value from B5. Otherwise, it returns an empty string.

Example 2 – Subtract When Cell Content Is Greater Than a Specific Number

Suppose we have two lists of numbers in our dataset. We want to subtract the values of Data 1 from Data 2 only when the value in Data 1 is greater than 50. Follow these steps:

In cell D5, insert the following formula and press Enter:

=IF(B5>50,C5-B5,B5)

This formula checks if the value in B5 is greater than 50. If true, it subtracts B5 from C5; otherwise, it returns the value in B5.

We will get the below output:

From the above result, we can see that when the values of Data 1 are greater than 50, the above formula subtracts the number of Data1 from those of Data 2. Otherwise, the formula returns the value of Data 1.