How to simplify a discount column in numbers

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Level 1

4 points

How to simplify a discount column in numbers

Hi,

I have got a simple spreadsheet to log building materials. Some of these products will benefit from a discount. I’ve created a formula, which relies on a “total” column, then a separate “total with discount” column. Is there a simple way that I can merge these into one, so effectively, the spreadsheet multiplies quantity and price, then, if I enter a number in the discount field, adds the total up?

I’ve attached a screenshot of my current work, hopefully that explains it

Posted on Jun 2, 2023 10:55 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

jaxjason

Level 5

5,057 points

Jun 2, 2023 2:22 PM in response to TuonoV

from past experience what you have is usually how I ended up doing it.

however if you want to combine formulas you have built up through multiple cells (which is a great way to build a complicated nested function), you can replace whatever is in one cell with its formula in the final one.

Meaning, in your example H2 is probably =F2*G2

and J2 we know is =H2-(H2*I2)

Just like in algebra class years ago.. anywhere you see H2 you can type F2*G2 so your final equation would simply be substitution

=(F2*G2)-((F2*G2)*I2)

however what you did, as I said before, is how I prefer to do it. The formulas are simple, straightforward and anyone that ends up using it can easily determine what its doing and why.

Jason

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Answer 2

TuonoV Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 2, 2023 3:19 PM in response to jaxjason

Thanks Jason I appreciate that. Your formula is spot on, but maybe you’re right, maybe the separate column will just be simpler

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