Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
Running Total in Excel or Google Sheets
Create a cumulative total that adds each row to the total above it.
Quick Answer
Use SUM with a locked starting cell and a relative ending cell to create a running total.
Copyable Formula
=SUM($B$2:B2)Syntax
=SUM($B$2:B2)Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| B | C |
|---|---|
| Amount | Running total |
| 120 | 120 |
| 80 | 200 |
Result: Each row shows the cumulative total through that row.
Steps
- Sort the source rows in the order the running total should follow.
- Lock the first cell in the amount range.
- Leave the ending cell relative.
- Copy the formula down the column.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting to sort the data before calculating a running total.
- Locking both ends of the SUM range.
- Using running totals on filtered data without checking hidden rows.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.