How to Subtract Cells in Excel

Create a Formula
1. Enter your data. For the purpose of this example, type the number 34 in cell A1 and the number 15 in B1.
2. Choose the cell where you want your results to appear. Use C1, for instance.
3. Place an equal sign (=) in C1. The equal sign always precedes formulas in Excel and goes into the cell where your results will be displayed.
4. Click on cell A1. Clicking on this cell automatically places 'A1' in cell C1.
5. Type a minus sign (-) in cell C1.
6. Click on cell B1. Clicking on this cell automatically places 'B1' in cell C1.
7. Press the 'Enter' key on your keyboard, or click on the check mark on the tool bar, to see the result of your calculation. Excel performs the calculation instantly and cell C1 displays the answer, 19. Notice that the formula appears in the formula bar when you click on cell C1.
Subtract Numbers using the SUM Function and the Autosum Button
8. Type a number into A1. For instance, type the number 10.
9. Type a number into B1, preceded by the minus sign. For instance, -8.
10. Click on the cell where you want the answer displayed, like C1.
11. Use the SUM function. Type =SUM(A1, B1) into cell C1. Click the check mark on the tool bar or press the 'Enter button' to display the answer in C1.
12. Use the 'Autosum' button, which automates the SUM function. Enter your data and then click cell C1. Click the 'Autosum' button on the toolbar to display the answer, 2, in cell C1.