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Subtraction calculator

Enter two numbers and see the difference straight away. Decimals are subtracted exactly: 0.3 − 0.1 gives 0.2, not the 0.19999999999999998 many programs show.

Decimals may use a point or a comma. A sum works too, such as 2^10 or sqrt(2).

Fill in the fields; the answer appears here straight away.

How it works

  1. Enter the values

    Type the numbers or the formula. Decimals may use a point or a comma. No idea? Click Fill in an example.

  2. Instant answer

    The answer appears as you type, with the most important intermediate values.

  3. See the working

    Under "How it's worked out" you see the steps, handy for checking your own calculation.

Why "exactly"?

Computers store decimals in binary, and numbers like 0.1 can't be written exactly that way. That is why many programs give tiny rounding errors. This calculator turns your numbers into exact fractions first, so the answer is what you would get on paper.

What can you enter?

Whole numbers, decimals with a point or a comma, negative numbers and large numbers with thousands separators such as 1,250.75. A small expression works too, such as 2^10 or sqrt(2). Need other operations? Try the division calculator or the percentage calculator.

Examples

  • 1,250.75 − 389.5 = 861.25.
  • 3 − 5 = −2. A negative result is fine.
  • 0.3 − 0.1 = 0.2, with no stray digits.
  • 100 − 0.01 = 99.99.

Check by adding back

A subtraction is right when the difference plus the number you subtracted gives the starting number: 861.25 + 389.5 = 1,250.75. It is a quick way to catch a typo in the numbers you entered.

Other kinds of subtraction

Subtracting fractions needs a common denominator, which the subtract fractions calculator works out for you. For the difference between two dates, use days between dates.

Frequently asked questions

Can I subtract more than two numbers?

Yes. Type a small sum in the first field, such as 500-120-45.5, and put 0 or the last number in the second. The fields accept expressions like 2^10 and sqrt(2).

What happens with a negative result?

You get the negative number: 3 − 5 = −2. Nothing special is needed.

Why does this calculator show 0.2 for 0.3 − 0.1?

It converts decimals to exact fractions first. Many programs subtract the stored binary values and show a result like 0.19999999999999998.

How do I subtract a percentage?

Use the [percentage calculator](/en/math/percentage-calculator), which has a *Number minus X%* mode. For dates, use [days between dates](/en/math/days-between-dates).