Difference Ignoring Negative Numbers

[psvoaofficehelp]

Hello,

I am trying to find a formula that will find the difference between two columns but ignore negative numbers in any of the columns. Column A ("Gross Reserve") is a reserve for an insurance claim (the amount we expect to pay) and Column B ("Amount Paid") is the amount we have actually paid. When a claim is started, the deductible is billed, which makes Column B a negative number until we have paid more than the deductible amount. I need a formula in Column C "Reserve" that will show how much of the money we expect to spend is left after subtracting the amount we have actually paid. I want Column C to display the full amount in Column A if Column B is negative.

Ex:
Column A | Column B | Column C
$50,000 | $10,000 | $40,000
$30,000 | ($2,500) | $30,000

Is there a formula that can do this?

P.S. Thank you so much in advance to anyone who can help this Excel novice.

 

[Gerald Higgins]

Hi, welcome to the board.

Perhaps something like this . . .

=if(b2< 0,a2,a2-b2)

 

[jeffreybrown]

Hello & Welcome to the Board,

It seems like this should do it...

C1 copied down >> =IF(B2<0,A2,A2-B2)

 

[psvoaofficehelp]

Thank you so much! That worked perfectly!