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How to calculate a cumulative percentage in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:PercentagesExcel & Google Sheets
=SUM($B$2:B2)/SUM($B$2:$B$6)✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Category | Count | Cumulative % |
| A | 50 | |
| B | 30 | |
| C | 10 | |
| D | 7 | |
| E | 3 |
=SUM($B$2:B2)/SUM($B$2:$B$6)→0.5
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Step by step
- 1Enter your values in column B (e.g., B2:B6).
- 2In C2, enter =SUM($B$2:B2)/SUM($B$2:$B$6). The first reference expands as you copy down; the second stays fixed.
- 3Copy C2 down to C6. The numerator grows row by row, the denominator stays constant.
- 4Format column C as Percentage to display results like 20%, 45%, etc.
Tips
- Sort your values in descending order before applying this formula to build a classic Pareto (80/20) analysis chart.
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Frequently asked
Why does the last row always show 100%?
Because SUM($B$2:B6) equals SUM($B$2:$B$6) in the last row, making the fraction exactly 1 (100%).
Can I do this for grouped data?
Yes, first use SUMIF to get subtotals by group, then apply the cumulative percentage formula to the subtotals.
More on Percentages
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Work out what percentage one number is of another with a simple division, then format the result as a percent. Same in Excel and Google Sheets.
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