excel formula for subtracting one column from another

To indicate if a month should be subtracted, you can enter a minus sign (-) before the number (e.g. For example, =EDATE('9/15/19',-5) returns 4 /15/19.įor this example, you can enter your starting dates in column A.Įnter the number of months to add or subtract in column B. To subtract months, enter a negative number as the second argument. The EDATE function requires two arguments: the start date and the number of months that you want to add or subtract. You can use the EDATE function to quickly add or subtract months from a date. In cell C2, enter =A2+B2, and copy down as needed.Īdd or subtract months from a date with the EDATE function You can enter a negative number to subtract days from your start date, and a positive number to add to your date. In the following example, you'll see how to add and subtract dates by entering positive or negative numbers.Įnter the number of days to add or subtract in column B. You want to transfer funds to your checking account so that those funds arrive 15 calendar days before that date, so you'll subtract 15 days from the due date. If you used the example numbers, the result is -2.Suppose that a bill of yours is due on the second Friday of each month. 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 for subtracting one column from another