# Subtraction Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/math/subtraction/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The subtraction calculator subtracts the subtrahend from the minuend and gives the difference, with an addition check.

## Inputs

- Minuend
- Subtrahend

## Results

- Difference
- Check: difference + subtrahend
- Distance between the numbers

## Formula

```
Difference = minuend − subtrahend
```

## Explanation

Subtraction finds how much is left or how far apart two numbers are. With negatives and decimals it is easy to slip a sign – the calculator does it reliably.

### How to use the Subtraction Calculator

- **Minuend**
- **Subtrahend**

Results update as you type, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

The difference is checked by adding it back to the subtrahend, which must give the minuend.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterMinuendA numberSubtrahendA number

### What each result means

- **Difference** = [Minuend] - [Subtrahend]
- **Check: difference + subtrahend** = ([Minuend] - [Subtrahend]) + [Subtrahend]
- **Distance between the numbers** = abs([Minuend] - [Subtrahend])

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Minuend** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

MinuendDifference500137.25750387.251,000637.251,250887.251,5001,137.252,0001,637.25

## Worked example

Inputs — Minuend: 1,000; Subtrahend: 362.75.

Results — **Difference = 637.25**; Check: difference + subtrahend = 1,000; Distance between the numbers = 637.25.

## Key terms

- **Difference**: The result of subtraction.

## FAQ

**What are the minuend and subtrahend?**
In 10 − 3 = 7, 10 is the minuend, 3 the subtrahend and 7 the difference.

**Is subtraction commutative?**
No: 10 − 3 ≠ 3 − 10.

**What is subtracting a negative?**
Adding its opposite: 5 − (−2) = 7.

**How do I check a subtraction?**
Add the difference to the subtrahend.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – Prealgebra 2e](https://openstax.org/details/books/prealgebra-2e)
- [OpenStax – Contemporary Mathematics](https://openstax.org/details/books/contemporary-mathematics)