Formula Errors

How to Reduce a Value by 5 Percent Using an Excel Formula

Emma Brown Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs a quick and simple Excel formula to calculate an amount after applying a five percent decrease to an original value.

How to Reduce a Value by 5 Percent Using an Excel Formula

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Calculating a discounted price, tax reduction, or any scenario requiring a flat 5% decrease of an original number in a spreadsheet.
Observed behavior: The user wants to successfully apply a 5% reduction to an existing number using basic spreadsheet arithmetic.

Before you start

Ensure the cell containing your original value is formatted as a Number or Currency, and decide whether you want to type the 5% directly into the formula or reference it from another cell.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Direct Multiplication Formula

Multiply the original value by 0.95 or 95% to instantly calculate the reduced amount in a single step.

Reducing a number by 5% is mathematically equivalent to keeping 95% of its original value. This method is the fastest way to get your result.

Select the destination cell

Click on an empty cell where you want the reduced value to appear.

Enter the multiplier formula

Type =A1*0.95 (assuming your original value is in cell A1). Alternatively, you can type =A1*95%.

Apply the calculation

Press the Enter key to view the newly calculated discounted value.

Alternative Subtraction Syntax: If you prefer to see the subtraction logic clearly, you can use the formula =A1*(1-5%).

Solution 2

Reference a Discount Percentage from Another Cell

Store the 5% reduction rate in a separate cell to make your formula dynamic and easily adjustable.

Calculate in WPS Spreadsheet

Calculate Percentages Easily with WPS Office

You can perform percentage reductions, handle discounts, and run complex data calculations seamlessly using WPS Spreadsheet, a fully featured and free office suite.

1. Open your data in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, open your spreadsheet, and locate the number you want to reduce.
2. Enter the reduction formula: Click an empty cell and type =A1*0.95 (replacing A1 with your target cell).
3. Apply to multiple cells: Press Enter, then click and drag the small fill handle at the bottom right of the cell to apply the 5% reduction formula down the entire column.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas, functions, and .xlsx file formats.Lightweight and runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.Built-in templates for budgets, retail pricing, and discount calculations.Familiar user interface making migration from Microsoft Office effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reduce a value by a different percentage, like 20%?

To reduce a value by 20%, you multiply the original amount by 80% (which is 100% minus 20%). The formula would be =A1*0.80 or =A1*(1-20%).

How can I apply the 5% reduction formula to an entire column of prices?

Enter the formula (e.g., =A1*0.95) in the first cell of the adjacent column and press Enter. Then, click the calculated cell, hover over the bottom-right corner until you see a cross icon, and double-click or drag it down to fill the column.

Why am I getting a #VALUE! error when entering the percentage formula?

This error usually occurs if the original cell contains text instead of a number, or if there is an accidental space formatting the number as text. Ensure your original data is formatted as a Number or Currency.

Excel & Data Problems