newbie with basic problem

[ron pesce]

I am working on a budget. I have an annual budget of 812,448.00
Budgeted for 5 months is 338,520.00…812,448.00/12 x 5
5 month actual is 332,045.61……338,520.00 minus 332,045.61 = 6,474.39
All this is well but the answer does not show a minus sign, how do I do this to show that I am under budget??

 

[Deuce Bucksman]

If you change the formula to show 332,045.61 minus 338,520.00 then you will have your minus sign.

 

[cicconmr]

You have to subtract the larger number second to show a loss. In accounting, you always take your budget less expenses any way, so your number is correct, you didn't over spend by 6k.

In excel the only way to show it negative is it for actually be negative, otherwise you can color the text red or something and denote that red means "negative"

 

[jasonb75]

Reverse the formula

332,045.61 - 338,520.00 = - 6,474.39

 

[Deuce Bucksman]

The calculation is only correct if you are referring to expenses that are represented on the financial statements as positive numbers (in which case you spent less and are therefore favorable to budget). If it is revenue or operating income, then you will need to reverse the calc to show a negative number (as you are unfavorable to budget and need to reflect this as a negative number).

 

[ron pesce]

Thank you

 

[Joe4]

I deleted your duplicate posts in the Lounge. Please do not post the same question multiple times, as duplicates will be deleted or locked per forum rules (http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99490).

If you happen to post a question in the wrong forum (like the Lounge instead of Excel Questions), simply click on the Report button and ask the Moderators to move it for you.

Thanks.