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How to create a running total in Excel and Google Sheets

Topic:SUM & aggregation
Excel & Google Sheets
=SUM($B$2:B2)

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Step by step

  1. 1In the first row of the running total, enter =SUM($B$2:B2).
  2. 2The $B$2 is locked; the B2 moves as you copy down.
  3. 3Fill the formula down — each row totals from the top through the current row.

Tips

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Frequently asked

Why does my running total repeat the same number?

You probably locked both ends ($B$2:$B$2) or neither. Lock only the start: =SUM($B$2:B2).

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Reference

SUMPRODUCT

Multiply ranges together row by row and sum the result — ideal for weighted totals.

How-to

How to calculate a 30-day rolling sum

Sum the 30 calendar days ending on a chosen date with SUMIFS, including timestamps on the final day and excluding future rows.

Error fix

Fix 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.

Reference

SUBTOTAL

Aggregate a range (sum, average, count…) while ignoring other SUBTOTALs and, optionally, hidden rows. Ideal under filters.

How-to

How 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.

How-to

How 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.

Formulas used

SUMARRAYFORMULA (Google Sheets)

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

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