How to calculate the difference between two values and display the result with a + or - sign

Micaela Passetti

Hi community! How can I calculate the difference between two values and display the result with a positive or negative sign depending on whether the difference is upward or downward?

For example, if I have two values: 5 and -2. I need the following result: -7.

And if I have: -5 and -2. I need the following result: 3.

Thank you so much!!

Carson Penticuff

I believe this will take care of it. Just subtract your first number from the second.

=[column 2]@row - [column 1]@row

-2 - 5 = -7

-2 - (-5) = 3

Eddie Raikes

Im new to Samrtsheet but trying to do a basic house build budget. For each item row line item, I want 3 columns

1. Budget value $ 2. Actual Cost $ 3.The difference plus or minus between the 1 and 2 shows me whether I am over budget or under budget. I am struggling to make the formula to get for Collum 3 . I have looked around but can't find one that will give it to me correctly. Very glad of any help 🙂 Kind Regards Eddie

Genevieve P.

Hi @Eddie Raikes

As long as the data in columns 1 and 2 are set as values (numbers) then you should simply be able to subtract one from the other! 🙂

Here's more information: Create and edit formulas in Smartsheet

If this hasn't helped, please post screen captures of your sheet (blocking out sensitive data) and identify how your data is being entered into columns 1 and 2.

Thanks!

Genevieve

Eddie Raikes

Hello Genevieve

Thanks for the link, thats exactly what I needed😊