If you enter =4−1 in a spreadsheet cell, Excel will return an answer of 3. To subtract numbers in Microsoft Excel, use the formula =A−B, where A and B are numbers, cell references, or formulas that return a numerical value. (Though not as efficient for the user, the formula (=B1+B2+B3+B4) would produce the same result.) How to Subtract Two Numbers In the example below, our formula in cell B5 is =SUM(B1:B4).īegin the formula with an equal sign, and inside the parentheses enter the range's starting cell and ending cell, separated by a colon. When totaling rows, columns, or any cell range with more than a few cells, it's much more productive to use the SUM function of Excel. We typed =b1+b2, but Excel automatically capitalizes letters. In the worksheet above, the formula in cell C2, =B1+B2, sums 1st and 2nd quarter earnings to calculate first half total earnings. If you enter =4+2 in a spreadsheet cell, Excel returns an answer of 6. X and Y can be numbers, cell addresses (e.g. To add two numbers in Microsoft Excel, type the formula =X+Y into the cell where you want the answer displayed.
Before we begin, remember one important thing: all Excel formulas must begin with an equal sign.
