No results found We can’t find anything with that term at the moment, try searching something else. Master math instantly! Use our free Integer Calculator to add and subtract positive and negative numbers and decimals with step-by-step solutions. Related Calculators There was an error with your calculation. How to Add and Subtract Positive and Negative Integers Last updated: July 21, 2026 Table of Contents Directions for use Positive and negative integers Integers addition and integers subtraction Adding positive numbers Subtracting positive numbers Adding negative numbers Subtracting negative numbers Rules for adding and subtracting integers Adding positive numbers Subtracting positive numbers Adding negative numbers Subtracting negative numbers Rules for adding and subtracting integers Real-life examples Number of people in the queue Number of people in the queue This versatile integer calculator is designed for seamlessly adding and subtracting both integers and decimals. It effortlessly processes positive and negative numbers, calculating accurate solutions for equations with multiple consecutive operations. For example, if you enter a complex string of signs like 5 + - + - + - + - - - + + 3, the calculator automatically determines the final operation sign (+), performs the math, and delivers the correct final answer, 8. Directions for use To use this calculator for adding and subtracting integers and decimals, simply enter your equation into the input field and click “Calculate.” The tool will instantly generate the final answer alongside a step-by-step solution algorithm, clearly identifying the final mathematical sign for each operation. The input field accepts the following symbols: Integers, for example, 3, 6, 144, -15. Decimals, where a period separates the whole number from the decimal fraction. For example, 3.0, 8.978, 123.901, -12.36. Operation sign for addition, +. Operation sign for subtraction, –. Brackets, (). Parentheses must always appear in pairs, meaning your equation needs both an opening and a closing bracket. Examples of correct usage include 3 + (-4) and -98 - (-5.67). You cannot input 5 + (-3, as it lacks a closing bracket. Additionally, expressions inside brackets must always conclude with a number, not an operation sign. For instance, (3 - 4 + 5) is a valid input, whereas (3 - 4 +) 5 is invalid. You may also use square brackets, [], or curly braces, {}; the calculator will automatically convert them into standard parentheses (). You can input as many consecutive operation signs as needed without separating them by spaces or other symbols. The calculator will automatically resolve them and display the final operation sign for each step. Below are a few valid input examples: -33 + 15 - 1- - 2 (equals -17) (-33) + 15 - 1 - (-2) (equals -17) (-33 + 15 -1) - - 2 (equals -17)

-33 + 15 - 1- - - - - + 2 (equals -21) The input field accepts a maximum of 60 characters. Positive and negative integers Understanding positive and negative integers is easiest when visualizing them on a number line, as illustrated below: The minus symbol (“-”) serves as the negative sign, denoting numbers below zero that fall to the left of zero on the number line. Conversely, the plus symbol (“+”) is the positive sign, representing numbers greater than zero, located to the right. In everyday math, the positive sign is typically omitted; a number written without any sign is assumed to be positive. For example, +7 = 7. Integers addition and integers subtraction At its core, adding and subtracting integers involves moving left or right along the number line. To add an integer, you move the corresponding number of steps to the right (for positive integers) or to the left (for negative integers). To subtract an integer, you add its opposite. Two integers are considered "opposites" if they share the same absolute value but have different signs—such as 4 and -4, 12 and -12, or 1 and -1. Adding positive numbers Adding positive numbers is a straightforward addition operation. For instance, adding 3 means taking 3 steps in the positive direction (to the right) on the number line. Adding 14 means taking 14 steps to the right, and so forth. Here are a few examples of adding positive integers: Subtracting positive numbers Subtracting positive numbers is a standard subtraction operation. To subtract a positive number, simply move the corresponding number of steps in the negative direction (to the left) on the number line. See the examples below: Adding negative numbers Negative numbers represent movement in the negative direction (leftward) along the number line. Therefore, adding a negative number requires moving to the left: -2 + (-13) = -15 Because adding a negative number forces a shift in the negative direction, this mathematical operation is perfectly equivalent to subtracting a positive number: 3 + (-3) = 3 - 3 = 0 Subtracting negative numbers To subtract a negative number, you add the opposite of that number. This rule means that subtracting a negative value is identical to adding its corresponding positive value. For example: -4 - (-11) = -4 + 11 = 7 Rules for adding and subtracting integers The fundamental rules for integer addition and subtraction can be simplified into two easy-to-remember points: Two like signs (+ + or - -) result in a positive sign, +. Two unlike signs (+ - or - +) result in a negative sign, -. Real-life examples Integer addition and subtraction are foundational math skills used daily in almost every aspect of life. Whether you are calculating exact change, keeping a headcount for an event, measuring recipe ingredients, or balancing a budget, these operations are essential. Number of people in the queue Imagine you are standing in a long queue, counting the people ahead of you. When you first arrived, there were 13 people in line. Later, you realize that one person was holding a spot for a group, and 4 more people join them. Shortly after, the couple directly in front of you grows impatient and leaves the queue altogether. How many people are currently in front of you? To find the answer, we can create and solve a simple mathematical equation. We start with the initial number of people in line, 13. Then, 4 people joined, which we write down mathematically as +4. Next, a couple (2 people) left the line, which we express as -2. Combining these events gives us the following equation: 13 + 4 - 2 = 15 There are exactly 15 people in front of you. Related Calculators