How to Subtract in Google Sheets

Subtract numbers and cells in Google Sheets with the minus operator, including clear examples and common errors.

=A2-B2

Direct answer

Quick answer

Use the minus operator: =A2-B2. Google Sheets does not have a SUBTRACT function, so subtraction formulas should use the - symbol.

=A2-B2

Subtracts the value in B2 from the value in A2.

=A2-10

Subtracts 10 from the value in A2.

=A2-B2-C2

Subtracts B2 and then C2 from A2.

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Column C subtracts actual spending in column B from the approved budget in column A.

Enter the starting and subtracted values
Put the starting value in A2 and the amount to subtract in B2.
Enter the subtraction formula
Click the result cell, type =A2-B2, and press Enter.
Copy the formula
Drag the fill handle down to calculate the remaining rows.

Google Sheets has no SUBTRACT function; use the minus operator instead.
Order matters: =A2-B2 is different from =B2-A2.
Negative results are valid and indicate that the amount subtracted is larger than the starting amount.