In this tutorial, you will learn how to subtract columns in Google Sheets.
You can easily subtract columns in Google Sheets by using functions and formulas in Google Sheets.
Once ready, we’ll get started by utilizing real-world examples to show you how to subtract columns in Google Sheets.
Subtract Columns
Before we start, you will need to get ready a set of data for us to work on.
Method 1
The first method is to directly subtract two values in Google Sheets. You can simply key in the ‘=’ sign and select the cell you want to subtract, add the ‘-’ sign, then select the other cell you want to subtract with.

Method 2
The second method is to subtract multiple columns. This formula is a bit tricky as you have to make several small formulas to subtract multiple columns.
For example, you will first select the first value you want to subtract and subtract it with the second value.

Then, you will use the value we subtracted, again subtract it with the third value and continue the same sequence until you have subtracted all four values.

A more direct way is to simply combine the above steps into one singular formula.

By doing so, you are unable to see the decrease in value each subtraction makes and directly get the final value.
Summary
That’s all there is to it. You are welcome to copy the example spreadsheet below to see how it is done. The most crucial lesson is to enjoy yourself while doing it.
Example Spreadsheet: Make a copy of the example spreadsheet
In this tutorial, I covered how to subtract columns in Google Sheets. Want more? Check out all the Google Sheets Tutorials.
More ways to use columns in Google Sheets:
- Move A Column
- Add A Column
- Set Column Width
- Delete Columns
- Rename A Column
- Compare Two Columns
- Make All Columns The Same Width
- Add Multiple Columns
- Apply A Formula To An Entire Column
- Sort Multiple Columns
- Auto Fit Column Width
- Group Columns
- How To Name Columns
- Sum A Column
- Sort By Column
- Lock Column
- Split Text into Columns
- Apply Formula To Entire Column
- Combine Columns
- Find Unique Values In Column
- Move Columns
- Filter Columns
- Filter Multiple Columns
- Split A Column
- Get the Last Value in a Column
- Convert Rows To Columns
- Multiply Columns
- Highlight Duplicates In Multiple Columns
- Switch Columns
- Select Multiple Columns
- Number A Column