This article will discuss methods to subtract excel data based on different criteria. While working with Microsoft Excel, we subtract cell values using the basic minus formula or the SUM function. The basic subtraction formula we use in excel is ‘Cell1-Cell2‘.
However, the basic formula is not enough while doing complex subtraction. In such cases, we have to subtract cell values based on specific criteria. Let’s go to the article to see some examples of criteria based on which we will deduct values.
How to Subtract in Excel Based on Criteria: 3 Suitable Examples
1. Subtraction of Excel Data Based on Empty Cell
Suppose we have the below dataset containing empty cells randomly.
Now based on these blank cells I will subtract cell values from one another using the IF function. Follow the below steps to perform the task.
Steps:
- First, type the below formula in Cell F5 and press Enter.
=IF(C5<>"",B5-C5,IF(D5<>"",B5-D5,IF(E5<>"",B5-E5,"")))
- Upon entering the formula we will get the below result. Then use the Fill Handle (+) tool to copy the formula over the range F5:F10.
- Finally, we will get the below output.
🔎 How Does the Formula Work?
Here the above formula is nested with two IF functions
- IF(E5<>””,B5-E5,””)
The above formula checks whether the value Cell E5 is equal to blank or not. Here the formula returns:
{20}
- IF(D5<>””,B5-D5,IF(E5<>””,B5-E5,””))
Then this part of the formula checks if Cell D5 is empty or not. As the Cell D5 is not empty, the formula returns:
{15}
- IF(C5<>””,B5-C5,IF(D5<>””,B5-D5,IF(E5<>””,B5-E5,””)))
At last, the formula checks whether Cell C5 is blank or not. Here Cell C5 has a value, so the output is:
{10}
Read More: Subtraction for Whole Column in Excel
2. Excel IF Function to Subtract When Cell Content Is Greater Than Specific Number
Suppose we have the below dataset containing numbers in two lists. Now we will subtract the values of Data 1 from Data2, where the number of Data 1 is greater than 50.
Let’s follow the below steps to get the task done.
Steps:
- Initially, type the below formula in Cell D5.
- Next hit Enter.
=IF(B5>50,C5-B5,B5)
- Consequently, 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.
Read More: How to Subtract Two Columns in Excel
3. Subtract If One Cell Value Is Greater Than Another
In this method, I will compare cell values, and based on that comparison I will subtract values from specific cells. Let’s assume we have the dataset below, which contains data in three different columns.
Now, follow the below instructions to subtract cell values based on the abovementioned criteria.
Steps:
- First, type the following formula in Cell E5 and press Enter.
=IF(B5>C5,D5-B5,D5-C5)
- Upon entering the formula and Fill Handle tool, excel returns the below result.
Here, the IF function checks whether the value of Cell B5 is greater than Cell C5 first. Then, if the first condition is true, the formula subtracts Cell B5 from Cell D5. If not, the formula subtracts the value of Cell C5 from the one of Cell D5.
Read More: How to Create a Subtraction Formula in Excel
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the practice workbook that we have used to prepare this article.
Conclusion
In the above article, I have tried to discuss several methods to subtract based on criteria in excel elaborately. Hopefully, these methods and explanations will be enough to solve your problems. Please let me know if you have any queries.
