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How to create a running total in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:SUM & aggregationExcel & Google Sheets
=SUM($B$2:B2)Try it with your data
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Step by step
- 1In the first row of the running total, enter =SUM($B$2:B2).
- 2The $B$2 is locked; the B2 moves as you copy down.
- 3Fill the formula down — each row totals from the top through the current row.
Tips
- In Google Sheets you can also use =SCAN or a single ARRAYFORMULA for a whole-column running total.
- Keep the anchor ($B$2) on the very first data row, or the totals drift.
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Frequently asked
Why does my running total repeat the same number?
You probably locked both ends ($B$2:$B$2) or neither. Lock only the start: =SUM($B$2:B2).
More on SUM & aggregation
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Multiply ranges together row by row and sum the result — ideal for weighted totals.
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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.
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Add up the largest few numbers in a range using LARGE. Here we total the top 3 — the same in both apps.