standard cell potentials

[Christine Inyoung Chung 1F]

When calculating standard cell potentials, do you always have to do standard cell potential of the cathode - the standard cell potential of the anode? or with the values given in the tables, can you reverse the reactions and reverse the value of the cell potential depending on the reaction and add the two?

[Cindy Chen_2I]

Both will give you the correct answer!
Just remember to plug in both reduction potentials for the equation E cathode - E anode
Don't plug in oxidation potential for the anode side, or you will undo the negative in the equation.

Use which ever you're most comfortable with!

[Kelly Huang 3L]

You don't have to reverse the values if you keep them both as reduction potentials and use the equation E(cell) = E(cathode) - E(anode)