Google Sheets is a powerful and versatile spreadsheet tool that allows users to perform a wide range of calculations, data analysis, and visualization tasks. One of the fundamental operations in Google Sheets is the subtraction operation, which is denoted by the minus sign (-). In this blog post, we will explore the various ways to perform subtraction in Google Sheets, including the use of formulas, functions, and keyboard shortcuts. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this post will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to minus in Google Sheets.
Basic Subtraction in Google Sheets
The most basic way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets is by using the minus sign (-) directly in a cell. For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can simply type =20-10 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
However, this method is limited to simple subtraction operations. If you need to perform more complex calculations, you will need to use formulas and functions. In the next section, we will explore some of the most commonly used formulas and functions for subtraction in Google Sheets.
Formulas and Functions for Subtraction in Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers a wide range of formulas and functions that can be used to perform subtraction operations. Some of the most commonly used formulas and functions include:
- Subtraction Formula: =A1-B1
- Subtraction Function: =SUBTRACT(A1,B1)
- Relative Reference: =A1-B1
- Absolute Reference: =A$1-B$1
Let’s take a closer look at each of these formulas and functions.
Subtraction Formula
The subtraction formula is one of the most basic formulas in Google Sheets. It is used to subtract one value from another. The formula is entered as =A1-B1, where A1 and B1 are the cells that contain the values to be subtracted.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =20-10 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
Subtraction Function
The subtraction function is another way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets. It is entered as =SUBTRACT(A1,B1), where A1 and B1 are the cells that contain the values to be subtracted.
The subtraction function is similar to the subtraction formula, but it is more flexible and can be used with different types of values, such as numbers, dates, and times.
Relative Reference
A relative reference is a reference to a cell that is relative to the current cell. In the case of the subtraction formula, the relative reference is used to reference the cell that contains the value to be subtracted.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =A1-B1 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10. (See Also: How to Convert Google Sheets to Google Docs? Made Easy)
Absolute Reference
An absolute reference is a reference to a cell that is fixed and does not change, even if the cell is moved or copied. In the case of the subtraction formula, the absolute reference is used to reference the cell that contains the value to be subtracted.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =A$1-B$1 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Subtraction in Google Sheets
Google Sheets also offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that can be used to perform subtraction operations. Some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts include:
- Subtraction Shortcut: Ctrl-(-) (Windows) or Command-(-) (Mac)
- Relative Reference Shortcut: Ctrl-Shift-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-(-) (Mac)
- Absolute Reference Shortcut: Ctrl-Shift-$-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-$-(-) (Mac)
Let’s take a closer look at each of these keyboard shortcuts.
Subtraction Shortcut
The subtraction shortcut is one of the most basic shortcuts in Google Sheets. It is used to subtract one value from another. The shortcut is entered as Ctrl-(-) (Windows) or Command-(-) (Mac).
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can select the cell that contains the value 20 and press Ctrl-(-) (Windows) or Command-(-) (Mac) to enter the subtraction formula =20-10.
Relative Reference Shortcut
The relative reference shortcut is another way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets. It is entered as Ctrl-Shift-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-(-) (Mac).
The relative reference shortcut is similar to the subtraction shortcut, but it is more flexible and can be used with different types of values, such as numbers, dates, and times.
Absolute Reference Shortcut
The absolute reference shortcut is another way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets. It is entered as Ctrl-Shift-$-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-$-(-) (Mac).
The absolute reference shortcut is similar to the relative reference shortcut, but it is more flexible and can be used with different types of values, such as numbers, dates, and times.
Best Practices for Subtraction in Google Sheets
When performing subtraction operations in Google Sheets, there are several best practices to keep in mind. Some of the most important best practices include: (See Also: How to Change Ownership in Google Sheets? A Simple Guide)
- Use absolute references: When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use absolute references to ensure that the formula is referencing the correct cell.
- Use relative references: When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use relative references to make the formula more flexible and easier to use.
- Use keyboard shortcuts: When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use keyboard shortcuts to save time and increase productivity.
- Use formulas and functions: When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use formulas and functions to make the formula more flexible and easier to use.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these best practices.
Use Absolute References
When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use absolute references to ensure that the formula is referencing the correct cell. Absolute references are used to reference a cell that is fixed and does not change, even if the cell is moved or copied.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =A$1-B$1 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
Use Relative References
When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use relative references to make the formula more flexible and easier to use. Relative references are used to reference a cell that is relative to the current cell.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =A1-B1 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use keyboard shortcuts to save time and increase productivity. Keyboard shortcuts are used to perform common tasks, such as subtraction, more quickly and easily.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can select the cell that contains the value 20 and press Ctrl-(-) (Windows) or Command-(-) (Mac) to enter the subtraction formula =20-10.
Use Formulas and Functions
When performing subtraction operations, it is best to use formulas and functions to make the formula more flexible and easier to use. Formulas and functions are used to perform complex calculations and operations, such as subtraction.
For example, if you want to subtract 10 from 20, you can enter the formula =20-10 in a cell and press Enter. The result will be displayed in the cell as -10.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explored the various ways to perform subtraction in Google Sheets, including the use of formulas, functions, and keyboard shortcuts. We have also discussed some of the best practices to keep in mind when performing subtraction operations in Google Sheets.
We hope that this post has been helpful in providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to minus in Google Sheets. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, we hope that you will find this post useful in helping you to perform subtraction operations more efficiently and effectively.
Recap
Here is a recap of the key points discussed in this post:
- Basic Subtraction in Google Sheets: The most basic way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets is by using the minus sign (-) directly in a cell.
- Formulas and Functions for Subtraction in Google Sheets: Google Sheets offers a wide range of formulas and functions that can be used to perform subtraction operations.
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Subtraction in Google Sheets: Google Sheets also offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that can be used to perform subtraction operations.
- Best Practices for Subtraction in Google Sheets: When performing subtraction operations in Google Sheets, there are several best practices to keep in mind.
FAQs
How Do You Minus in Google Sheets?
Q: What is the most basic way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets?
A: The most basic way to perform subtraction in Google Sheets is by using the minus sign (-) directly in a cell.
Q: What are some of the most commonly used formulas and functions for subtraction in Google Sheets?
A: Some of the most commonly used formulas and functions for subtraction in Google Sheets include the subtraction formula =A1-B1, the subtraction function =SUBTRACT(A1,B1), the relative reference =A1-B1, and the absolute reference =A$1-B$1.
Q: What are some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts for subtraction in Google Sheets?
A: Some of the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts for subtraction in Google Sheets include the subtraction shortcut Ctrl-(-) (Windows) or Command-(-) (Mac), the relative reference shortcut Ctrl-Shift-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-(-) (Mac), and the absolute reference shortcut Ctrl-Shift-$-(-) (Windows) or Command-Shift-$-(-) (Mac).
Q: What are some of the best practices to keep in mind when performing subtraction operations in Google Sheets?
A: Some of the best practices to keep in mind when performing subtraction operations in Google Sheets include using absolute references, using relative references, using keyboard shortcuts, and using formulas and functions.
Q: How do I use absolute references in Google Sheets?
A: To use absolute references in Google Sheets, you can use the dollar sign ($) to reference a cell that is fixed and does not change, even if the cell is moved or copied.