Forum Discussion
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 increase or decrease between A2 and A3, in positive or negative numbers.
In B3 I used =A2-A3 and got -50 instead of 50
I've not been able to find the correct formula to show positive or negative change.
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)
8 Replies
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)
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.
