Microsoft Excel is the best spreadsheet software in which you can do every calculation by adding formulas, tools, graphing tools, tables, etc. Calculation in Excel becomes easy; you can do any long calculation and manage the data in an organized way. Many times, people raise the question of how do you subtract 20 cells in Excel so that they can solve the data. So, if guys are aware of the shortcut method or formula, you can easily do it. Otherwise, it will consume time. In this article, you will get to know how to subtract multiple cells in Excel, and if you want to know more about it, continue reading it and following the steps for calculations.
How to Subtract Multiple Cells in Excel
Keep reading further to find the steps explaining how to subtract multiple cells in Excel in detail with useful illustrations for better understanding.
How to Subtract Multiple Cells in Microsoft Excel?
There are three methods to know how to subtract multiple cells in Excel. The subtraction formula is also the same in Google sheets as it is in Excel spreadsheets. If anyone has come across the problem of subtraction of multiple cells then they can solve the problem from any of these methods.
There are three methods:
- By the formula
- With the SUM Function
- Without using a formula
Let’s look at these methods in detail.
Method 1: Using Formula
For doing subtraction you need to have the data and here you will see the subtraction.
1. Open the Microsoft Excel application on your PC/laptop and open the desired sheet.
2. Insert = symbol where you want the subtraction.
3. Click on the first cell.
4. Insert subtraction (-) symbol.
5. Select the second cell.
6. Again, insert a subtraction (-) symbol and select the next cell up to where you want the subtraction.
7. Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
8. Drag down the answer cell from the corner to get the calculation for other rows with the same formula.
Here the first method has been done, and this method is very easy to do subtraction of multiple cells. And if you want to do your calculation from this method, go through the above steps given. The formula can be used both horizontally and vertically.
Also Read: How to Make Excel File Read Only
Method 2: Using SUM Function
Those who want to subtract the data from the SUM function can use this formula. By this formula, you can subtract multiple cells from one cell in MS Excel and Google Sheets. The SUM function can also be used in both ways horizontally and vertically. For example, if you want to subtract expenditure from your income, you can use this formula and it works for you.
The steps for the SUM function are:
1. Insert = symbol in the cell where you want the subtraction.
2. Click on the first cell you want to subtract other multiple cells with.
3. Insert subtraction (-) symbol.
4. Then, type the function SUM, as shown below.
5. Insert the next values in bracket ().
6. Select another cell to include in the subtraction.
7. Put a colon (:) after selecting a cell.
8. Select the last cell you want the subtraction of.
9. Press the Enter key.
10. Drag down the answer cell to get the answers for the other cells with the same formula.
Here the SUM formula is used for the subtraction of multiple cells, and if you want to use it, you can. It is a very easy and simple method to use.
Method 3: Using Paste Special Feature
For people who want to do subtraction in Excel and want to subtract only one value from other multiple cells then they can use the Paste Special feature for doing the subtraction. So, for solving the calculation from this method you need to follow the steps given below.
1. Right-click on the desired cell you want other cells to be subtracted from.
2. Click on Copy from the context menu.
3. Select the range of cells you want to be subtracted.
4. Right-click in the selected range.
5. Click on the Paste Special option.
6. Then, click on the Subtract option.
7. Click on OK to apply the changes.
Now, the subtraction of multiple values has been done from the first cell you selected and copied. The whole range of cells has been subtracted from the first cell, and here, all three methods were discussed. So, whosoever wants to do subtraction can choose any one of the methods that seem to be easy or according to their requirement.
Also Read: How to Split Excel File into Multiple Files by Row
How Do You Subtract 20 Cells in Excel?
Those who want to subtract 20 cells in Excel can apply the easiest method from which you can get your answer. For example, if there is an income of 40,000 and you want to deduct your expenditure from your income then you can use the steps given below.
Note: You can subtract the 20 cells in Excel by all three methods that are discussed above as they all will work for 20-cell subtraction, and if you want to subtract multiple cells from a single cell then you can use the third method of paste special feature.
1. Insert = symbol in the cell where you want the subtraction.
2. Select the first cell.
3. Insert subtraction (-) symbol.
4. Select the second cell.
5. Then, insert a subtraction (-) symbol and select the next cell up to where you want the subtraction.
6. Press the Enter key to get the answer.
7. Drag the answer cell horizontally if to get the answers for the other columns with the same formula, if any.
How to Add Multiple Cells in Excel?
Doing an addition of multiple cells in Excel is also very simple and easy. You can do it quickly from the formula and without the formula is the easiest method. The methods are:
- Without any formula
- Using the SUBTOTAL method
Method 1: Using Addition (+) Symbol
This is the easiest method to do the calculation of how to add and subtract multiple cells in Excel. This method is the same as we do subtraction from Method 1 above. We just need to modify some minor changes. We need to insert plus (+) symbol and the addition will be done of multiple cells in just the easiest way, as shown below.
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Method 2: Using SUBTOTAL Function
The steps for doing addition by using the subtotal function are given below:
1. Insert = symbol into the cell.
2. Type SUBTOTAL.
3. Insert the values in the bracket ().
4. Enter the value 9 which is the Sum function.
5. Insert comma (,) after the value 9.
6. Select the range of the cell.
7. Press the Enter key.
This is the way you can do all calculations and you are now able to know how to add and subtract multiple cells in Excel, also the same methods for subtraction and addition apply in Google sheets.
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