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How to create a running total in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUM($B$2:B2)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Day | Sales | Running Total |
| Mon | 100 | |
| Tue | 200 | |
| Wed | 150 | |
| Thu | 300 | |
| Fri | 250 |
=SUM($B$2:B2)→100
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Step by step
- 1Enter your values in column B starting at B2.
- 2In C2 type =SUM($B$2:B2). The first reference $B$2 is absolute (locked); the second B2 is relative.
- 3Copy C2 down the column. In C3 the formula becomes =SUM($B$2:B3), in C4 =SUM($B$2:B4), and so on — each cell sums from B2 to that row.
Tips
- Press F4 after typing B2 the first time to cycle to $B$2, then type :B2 for the relative end — this is the fastest way to build the mixed reference.
- An alternative using addition: in C2 type =B2, then in C3 type =C2+B3, and copy C3 down. This is simpler but breaks if you insert rows above.
- The SUM approach is more robust for insertions and is self-correcting if a row is accidentally deleted.
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Frequently asked
Why does my running total suddenly reset partway down?
You likely have a blank row or a text value in column B. SUM skips text but a blank in the running-total column breaks the chain if you used the C2+B3 addition approach.
Can I create a running total that resets by group (e.g. by month)?
Yes — use SUMIF: =SUMIF($A$2:A2,A2,$B$2:B2) sums all B values in rows up to the current row where column A matches the current row's category.
More on SUM & aggregation
See all →Reference
SUMPRODUCT
Multiply ranges together row by row and sum the result — ideal for weighted totals.
How-toHow to sum a column
Add up an entire column with SUM. Total a whole column or a fixed range — identical in Excel and Google Sheets.
Error fixFix 0
SUM returns 0 or the wrong total in Excel and Google Sheets — fix numbers stored as text, filtered ranges, manual calculation mode, and circular references.
ReferenceSUBTOTAL
Aggregate a range (sum, average, count…) while ignoring other SUBTOTALs and, optionally, hidden rows. Ideal under filters.
How-toHow to create a running total
Build a cumulative running total with a SUM and a clever anchored reference that grows as you copy it down. Works in both apps.
How-toHow to sum values by month
Total amounts that fall in a given month with SUMIFS and two date bounds. Works the same in Excel and Google Sheets.