Forum Discussion
Broeux
Apr 06, 2022Copper Contributor
Calculate difference, pos or neg between numbers
I'm new to Excel and having a problem figuring this out. Here's a simplified explanation of what I'm trying to do: In A2 I have 100 In A3 I have 150, an increase of 50 In B3 I want to show the inc...
- Apr 06, 2022
I you want an increase to be positive and a decrease to be negative, use =A3-A2
If you always want a positive (or zero) result, use =ABS(A3-A2)
HansVogelaar
Apr 06, 2022MVP
I you want an increase to be positive and a decrease to be negative, use =A3-A2
If you always want a positive (or zero) result, use =ABS(A3-A2)
Broeux
Apr 06, 2022Copper Contributor
Thanks much. I see how that works now. Another question:
In the attached file, for blank row 4 cell C4 now shows -150. How can my formula be modified so this would remain blank until B4 is filled? I appreciate your assistance.
- HansVogelaarApr 07, 2022MVP
- BroeuxApr 07, 2022Copper ContributorThanks, Hans. That works beautifully, though I don't understand it. I inherited a workbook from the prior official handling it for our organization, and he didn't understand these things either! I will have to study and learn to read the formulas. I appreciate your time.
- HansVogelaarApr 07, 2022MVP
The formula says: if the value of the cell to the left (B3) is equal to an empty string "", i.e. if B3 is blank, then return an empty string "" so that C3 looks blank. Otherwise, return the difference of B2 and B3.