excel help

[VIAN]

Anyone know how to subtract one number from a whole column?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

Are you asking, how to subtract 1 from each number in a column of numbers?

If so, then it's real easy. Go find a blank cell someplace and type "1" in it. Then do Ctrl-C to copy that cell. Now highlight your column of numbers and richt-click. Choose "Paste Special" from the popup menu. When that box opens, under "operations", check the "Subtract" button and hit OK. And that's it!

 

[VIAN]

thanx a bunch

 

[catellus]

Sorry to be late, but here's another answer.

Say your column of numbers is in A, and your number to subtract is in B1.
go to C1 and type "=a1-b$1" (without the quotes), press enter.
select C1 again, grab the little square at the bottom right of the selection box, and drag it down as far as you need.

Why this works:
The $ changes the reference to absolute so every formula in the C column refers back to the same B1.

This has an advantage over making a whole column of the same number if you want to change it. Only one place to change!

If you build the formla by clicking A1, then minus key, then click B1, just edit the formula to add the $.

You can also prefix the column with $ to make it absolute, like "$B1" , if you are extending or moving it sideways. Or make both row and column absolute.

Note that if you select cell B1 and drag it somewhere else, Excel will still adjust those absolute references so they refer to the new location. Being absolute doesn't mean it will never change.