Adding and subtracting in Excel is easy; you just have to create a simple formula to do it. Just remember that all formulas in Excel begin with an equal sign (=), and you can use the formula bar to create them.
Add two or more numbers in one cell
-
Click any blank cell, and then type an equal sign (=) to start a formula.
-
After the equal sign, type a few numbers separated by a plus sign (+).
For example, 50+10+5+3.
-
Press RETURN .
If you use the example numbers, the result is 68.
Notes:
-
If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.
-
-
Add numbers using cell references
A cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula.
-
Type a number, such as 5, in cell C1. Then type another number, such as 3, in D1.
-
In cell E1, type an equal sign (=) to start the formula.
-
After the equal sign, type C1+D1.
-
Press RETURN .
If you use the example numbers, the result is 8.
Notes:
-
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.
-
If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.
-
Get a quick total from a row or column
-
Type a few numbers in a column, or in a row, and then select the range of cells that you just filled.
-
On the status bar, look at the value next to Sum. The total is 86.
Subtract two or more numbers in a cell
-
Click any blank cell, and then type an equal sign (=) to start a formula.
-
After the equal sign, type a few numbers that are separated by a minus sign (-).
For example, 50-10-5-3.
-
Press RETURN .
If you use the example numbers, the result is 32.
Subtract numbers using cell references
A cell reference combines the column letter and row number, such as A1 or F345. When you use cell references in a formula instead of the cell value, you can change the value without having to change the formula.
-
Type a number in cells C1 and D1.
For example, a 5 and a 3.
-
In cell E1, type an equal sign (=) to start the formula.
-
After the equal sign, type C1-D1.
-
Press RETURN .
If you used the example numbers, the result is 2.
Notes:
-
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.
-
If you see a date instead of the result that you expected, select the cell, and then on the Home tab, select General.
-