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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Minuend | A number |
| Subtrahend | A 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:
| Minuend | Difference |
|---|---|
| 500 | 137.25 |
| 750 | 387.25 |
| 1,000 | 637.25 |
| 1,250 | 887.25 |
| 1,500 | 1,137.25 |
| 2,000 | 1,637.25 |
Formula
Difference = minuend − subtrahend
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.
Frequently asked questions
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.