Calculate a Running Difference lets you take a list of numbers and turn it into a step-by-step chain of subtractions. You start with an initial value, then subtract the next number from it, then subtract the next one from the result, and so on. It’s a great way to track how a total changes over time.
How to Use:
- Paste your numbers into the input box one per line.
- Or import a text file using the Choose File button.
- Use the toggles to trim whitespace or skip empty rows.
- The right-side output will update live with cumulative differences.
- Copy or export your results once you’re done.
What Calculate a Running Difference can do:
This tool walks through your list of values and subtracts each one from the running total. It treats the first number as the starting point. From there, each line reduces the total by the next value in the list. If you enter 20, 5, 3, -2, and 10, you’ll get: 20, 15, 12, 14, 4. It handles both positive and negative numbers without any extra setup.
The toggles in the Options box help you keep things clean. When Trim whitespace is on, the tool removes stray spaces before and after each number. If you enable Ignore empty lines, any blank rows get skipped, so your output stays clean and focused. You don’t need to click anything the preview updates live as soon as you type or import your data.
Example:
Input:
20
5
3
-2
10Output:
20
15
12
14
4Common Use Cases:
Calculate a Running Difference is perfect for tracking inventory decreases, budget usage, countdowns, or data falloff. It’s also great for learning how subtraction chains behave step by step. Whether you’re working with analytics or just need a live way to subtract as you go this tool gets it done instantly.
Useful Tools & Suggestions:
Running differences tell you how fast values are changing pair that with Calculate a Running Sum to see both direction and magnitude. And if your data’s too long to scan easily, Slice a List helps you focus on just part of it.