excel formula to subtract from previous cell

So, in cell A1, well enter '1:00 PM' and in cell A2, well enter '5:00.' Step 3: Subtract the Times For this example, well subtract 5 hours from 1:00 PM. Once your spreadsheet is open, youll need to enter the times you want to subtract in the cells of your spreadsheet. If you dont have a spreadsheet already open, you can click the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the screen and then click 'Open.' Step 2: Enter the Times You Want to Subtract The first thing you need to do is open your Excel spreadsheet. In this section, well show you how to subtract time in Excel step-by-step. How to Subtract Time in ExcelĮxcel makes it easy to subtract time values and get the answer you need. In this article, well show you how to subtract time in Excel step-by-step, so you can get the answers you need quickly and easily. Whether youre subtracting time for a report or trying to find out how long it will take to complete a task, Excel makes it easy to subtract time values and get the answer you need. If you used the example numbers, the result is -2.Time subtraction is a basic function in Excel, and one that you will likely find yourself using often. If you don't see the status bar, on the View menu, click Status Bar. On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum=. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, under Number, click General on the pop-up menu.

If you used the example numbers, the result is 2. In cell E1, type an equal sign ( =) to start the formula. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula. If you use the example numbers, the result is 32.Ī cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. The total is 86.Ĭlick any blank cell, and then type an equal sign ( =) to start a formula.Īfter the equal sign, type a few numbers that are separated by a minus sign (-). On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum. Type a few numbers in a column, or in a row, and then select the range of cells that you just filled. If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.

If you change the value of C1 or D1 and then press RETURN, the value of E1 will change, even though the formula did not.

Excel formula to subtract from previous cell