How to calculate a running balance in Excel and Google Sheets

Excel & Google Sheets

=IF(ROW()=2,C2,D1+C2)

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Formula

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1Set up columns: A = Date, B = Description, C = Amount (positive for credits, negative for debits), D = Balance.
2In D2 enter =C2 (first row starts at the first transaction amount or an opening balance).
3In D3 enter =D2+C3 and copy down — each row adds the current transaction to the previous balance.
4To handle both debits and credits separately, use columns for each and subtract: =D1+C2-B2.

Do not use =SUM($C$2:C2) for large ledgers — it recalculates the entire sum on every row. Referencing the cell above (=D1+C2) is much faster.

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Put the opening balance in D2 directly as a value, then in D3 use =D2+C3 and copy down.

In an Excel Table (Ctrl+T), the formula in the Balance column will auto-fill to new rows. In Sheets, use ARRAYFORMULA to extend automatically.

Written and reviewed by FormulaCraft Team. Each formula on this page is run through our verification engine before publishing.

Last reviewed: May 28, 2026