Simple formula in a spreadsheet for a thicky

[JoolsToo]

I used to be able to do this, honest guv!

All I want to do is subtract consecutive cells from one other.

I have =sum(d1-c6-c7-c8) etc but I want to do up to c300 and beyond. I thought if you put a ':' in or a '..' between the first and last named cells you didn't have to type each one in but it ain't working!

Help

=sum(D1-(C6:C300))

neither of those options work!!!

Pamina I found the E symbol and clicked on it which gave me +(D1) I then inserted a minus sign +(D1-) and then clicked in the first cell and dragged down to the last so it looked like this +(D1-C6:C300) which is what I thought it should be in the first place! BUT it says there is an error and won't calculate!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK (and i tested this time)
=SUM(d1)-SUM(c6:c300)

Try flatmouse's suggestion but with the SUM before the bracket

=D1-SUM(C6:C300)

sorry x posts

Message withdrawn

maretta, that'll work but I use an extra bracket for safety:

=d1-(sum(c6:c300))

safety of what?!

hallelujah! thanks everyone and especially maretta whose formula I cut and paste

easy when you know how!

thanks again

of my brain!

I find it easier if the different expressions are seperated - the type of formulae I normally use run to a couple of lines with lots of 'if' logic arguments and can get seriously brain-melting, so I am in the habit of bracketing seperate functions even when the formulae are short.

my brain is melt down just reading your post MrsB

numbers are definitely not my strong point!