Subtract one number from another.
How it works
The result is simply a – b. 25 minus 9 is 16; -5 minus 10 is -15.
What this does not include
This handles two numbers at a time. For a running total across many values, add and subtract them one step at a time using this calculator repeatedly, or use a spreadsheet for a longer sequence.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the first number (a).
- Enter the number to subtract (b).
Why does subtracting a negative number give a larger result?
Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding its positive equivalent — 25 – (-5) equals 25 + 5, which is 30, not 20.
Can the result be negative?
Yes — whenever b is larger than a, the result is negative, which is a perfectly valid answer.
Is subtraction the same as finding a difference?
Yes, in the sense that a – b gives the signed difference between the two numbers — if you only want the size of the gap regardless of direction, take the absolute value of the result.
