How to Subtract in Google Sheets in 2023?

It is easy to learn how to subtract in Google Sheets, but there are various approaches available in Google Sheets when you need to subtract data. You may subtract without using the minus sign using the MINUS and SUM functions. All three of them function with dates in addition to numbers and can be used by inputting the values or by using cell references. Additionally, you can use these techniques in conjunction with the ARRAY FORMULA function to subtract a value from a group of cells or to compare the values in two columns.

Three distinct strategies for subtracting values and cells in Google Sheets are covered in this post. You can subtract by following the step-by-step instructions for the minus sign, the MINUS function, and the SUM function.

What is the Function to Subtract in Google Sheets?

You can subtract one value from another using the MINUS function in Google Sheets. MINUS(value1, value2) is the function syntax in which value2 will be removed from value1. For instance, the following formula can be used to remove 3 from 9: MINUS(9, 3) = 6. You can use this function to perform many mathematical calculations within the program. However, the only difference the MINUS function and the normal subtraction has is the equal sign. In normal mathematical expressions, the equal sign comes after the expression, but in the MINUS function, the equal sign comes before the expression. 

How to Subtract Cells or Numbers in Google Sheets?

There are three simple ways on how you can subtract in Google Sheets –

• Minus Sign
• Minus Function
• SUM Function

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – Minus Sign

You can either use a minus sign or a cell reference here. Let’s see how to do it –

•  Choose the cell to type in the formula.
• Enter the equal sign (=) and the value from which the subtraction would be done. 
• Add the minus sign, then enter the value you want to subtract.

• Press Enter
• There you have the result. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – MINUS Function

Here’s how to use the MINUS Function to subtract cells –

• In a cell, type the value you want to subtract. 
• Type the equal sign (=), then MINUS, and open parentheses. 
• Select the cell you want to subtract from and the value you want to subtract, then close the parentheses. 

• Press Enter. 
• Now you have the result. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – SUM Function

Here’s how to subtract in Google Sheets using the SUM function – 

• Type equal sign (=), then add the number you want to subtract from, followed by the SUM function. 
• Type the minus sign, enter the range, and close the parentheses. 

• Press Enter.
• Now you have the result. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – Subtract Dates

The methods mentioned above can be used to subtract dates to determine the difference in days. To access more unit settings, you can also utilize the DATEDIF function. 

• Type the start and finish dates you wish to subtract from in different cells.

• Enter the equal sign (=) in an empty cell, then choose the cell that has the end date.
• Choose the start date as the subtract and then add the negative sign.
• There you have the results. 

The MINUS function can also determine the difference between the dates. Also, you can use the SUM function to get the difference between the dates. Lastly, the DATEDIF function also works well to serve the purpose. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – Percentage

This is similar to the percentage subtraction in Excel sheets. Here’s how to do it –

• Click on the cell you want to enter the formula
• Type the equal sign and initiate the formula 
• Enter the formula (cell1-cell2*20%). You can take any percentage amount (as shown below)

• Enter and see the results. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheets – Multiple Cells

To subtract a number from multiple cells, use the MINUS function with the ARRAYFORMULA function. Here’s how to do it –

• Select a cell to enter the ARRAYFORMULA function, followed by the MINUS function.  
• Select the cell range as the first parameter, add a comma, and then enter the value or cell reference you want to subtract.
• In one cell, enter the first number; in another, enter the second number.
• Find an empty cell and input the ARRAY FORMULA function, followed by the MINUS function.  
• Select the cells that contain a minimum value, then put a comma. 
• Select the first column, and close the parentheses and click Enter. 

How to Subtract in Google Sheet – Column

By combining the negative sign or the negative function with the ARRAY FORMULA function, do the below calculation to minus the values in one column from the other column using a single formula.

Here’s how to subtract in Google Sheets –

•  Select an empty cell to input the formula ARRAY FORMULA function followed by parentheses and the MINUS function. 
• Select the first column, and put a comma.
• Select the second column and close the parentheses.

• Click Enter, and you will see the results. 

Conclusion

The minus sign, the MINUS function, and the SUM function can all be used to subtract data in Google Sheets. Now you know that you can either type the values into the formula directly or make references to the cells where your data are stored. These techniques can also subtract complete dates to determine the difference in days.

Now, you know that you can also use the DATEDIF function in its place if you require more unit options. Also, using any of these techniques combined with the ARRAY FORMULA function, you can subtract values from many cells at once or divide the values in one column by the values in another. Google Sheets is very simple and convenient to use than Excel Sheets. All you need to have a few Google Sheets basic ideas, and you are good to rock the workplace!