You can use a plus sign “+” for a subtraction formula with a condition, the number stored in the cell must be a negative number. Subtraction Formula Using the Plus Sign “+” Point cursor to cell B2 (Cell containing number -3).Point cursor to cell A2 (Cell containing number 5).The following is the steps how to write subtraction formula How is the subtraction formula in Excel for number 5 subtract by number 3?įor example, number 5 and number 3 are stored in a cell as shown below (see line 2). You can type the numbers involved in the subtraction directly in the formula or place the numbers in a cell.įor example, there are two numbers, number 5 and 3. The symbol used for the subtraction formula is a minus sign “-” as well as a sign used in a mathematical operation. Subtraction Formula Using the Minus Sign “-“ Subtraction Formula Using the SUM Function.Subtraction Formula Using the Plus Sign “+”.Subtraction Formula Using the Minus Sign “-“.