Apr 06 2022 12:10 PM
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.
Apr 06 2022 12:44 PM
SolutionI 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)
Apr 06 2022 04:22 PM
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.
Apr 07 2022 12:56 AM
Apr 07 2022 08:05 AM
Apr 07 2022 09:32 AM
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.
Apr 07 2022 12:49 PM
A very succinct explanation of how the formula reads in a way even a caveman can understand. Would you know where I can find the same for other formulas?
Apr 07 2022 01:03 PM
If you'd like to learn about formulas and functions, see for example Formulas and Functions and the links provided there.
Apr 06 2022 12:44 PM
SolutionI 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)