How to Subtract from a Total in Excel (3 Quick Methods)

Subtraction is quite a frequent task that we need to perform in Excel. There are multiple ways available to subtract from a total in Excel. In this article, you will learn 3 quick methods to subtract in Excel from a total with ease.

How to Subtract in Excel From a Total: 3 Quick Methods

1. Subtract from a Total in Excel Using Relative Cell Reference

You can directly subtract from a total using a formula with the Relative Cell References. Let me show you how to do that.

❶ At first insert the following formula in cell E5.

=C5-D5

Here, C5 has an amount of Total Revenue and D5 has an amount of Total Expense.

❷ Then press ENTER.

❸ After that, drag the Fill Handle icon from cell E5 to E12.

So, you’ve successfully subtracted Total Expense from Total Revenue.

2. Using Absolute Cell Reference to Subtract from a Total

If you have a total amount in a specific cell from where you need to subtract, then you can use the Absolute Cell Reference to subtract from the total amount.

In this case, the Total Revenue is in cell C4. The Total Expense amount is stored from cells C7 to C14.

Now follow the steps below to subtract.

❶ First, insert the following formula in cell D7.

=$C$4-C7:C14

Here, the dollar sign ($) is applied in cell C4 to make it an Absolute Cell Reference. C7:C14 refers to all the cells from C7 to C14 having the Total Expense.

❷ Now press ENTER.

As we have used a range in the formula, cells D7 to D14 will be automatically filled with the subtraction result from the Total Revenue.

3. Subtract from a Total in Excel Using SUM Function

We can also use the SUM function to subtract the Total Expense from the Total Revenue.

Now follow the steps below:

❶ First, insert the following formula in cell E5.

=SUM(C5-D5)

Here, cell C5 has the Total Revenue amount and cell D5 has the Total Expense amount.

❷ Now press ENTER.

❸ Drag the Fill Handle icon from cell E5 to E12.

So, you have successfully subtracted the Total Expense from the Total Revenue using the SUM function.

Practice Section

You will get an Excel sheet like the following screenshot, at the end of the provided Excel file where you can practice all the methods discussed in this article.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the Excel file from the following link and practice along with it.

Subtraction in Excel from a Total.xlsx

Conclusion

To sum up, we have discussed 3 methods to subtract from a total in Excel. You are recommended to download the practice workbook attached with this article and practice all the methods. And don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comment section below. We will try to respond to all the relevant queries asap.

<< Go Back to Subtract in Excel | Calculate in Excel | Learn Excel

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!