Calculating Running Totals in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

Excel is a powerful tool that allows you to perform a wide array of calculations, including calculating running totals. A running total, also known as a cumulative sum, is a sequence of partial sums of a given sequence. In this article, we will explore two methods for calculating running totals in Excel: using a formula and using the SUM function. By the end of this guide, you will be able to apply these methods to your data and customize the presentation as needed.

Method 1: Using a Formula

To calculate a running total using a formula, follow these steps:

Enter Your Data: Assume your data is in column A starting from A1. Create the Running Total Formula: In cell B1, enter the formula:

A1

Create the Running Total Formula (cont.): In cell B2, enter the following formula:

B1   A2

Drag the Formula Down:

Click on the bottom-right corner of cell B2, which is the fill handle, and drag it down to fill the formula for the rest of the cells in column B corresponding to your data in column A.

Method 2: Using the SUM Function

Another method for calculating running totals in Excel involves using the SUM function.

Enter Your Data: Again, assume your data is in column A starting from A1. Create the Running Total Formula: In cell B1, enter:

SUM(A1:A1)

Create the Running Total Formula (cont.): This formula sums all values from the first cell A1 to the current row. Drag the Formula Down:

As with the first method, drag the fill handle down from cell B1 to apply the formula to the rest of the cells in column B.

Example

Let's consider an example where you have data in column A2:A100 and you want a running total in column B. In cell B2, use the formula:

SUM(A2:A2)

Copy this formula from B2 to all the cells through B100. Here's how the data would look after applying the formula:

A B (Running Total) 10 10 20 30 30 60

Notes

Adapt the cell references if your data starts in a different row or column. You can format the cells in column B to display as currency or numbers as needed.

By following these steps, you can easily calculate running totals in Excel, enhancing your data analysis capabilities and providing valuable insights into your dataset.