Using Formulas Create a Running Total in Microsoft Excel

With Running Total, turn Raw Data into Insightful Progress

Tracking values over time, such as daily sales, monthly expenses, or a cumulative goal, is a crucial step in Microsoft Excel for applying data analysis and budgeting. And one of the best tools for that is the Running total, or Cumulative sum.

Just a few simple formulas, and Excel can give you a live tracker that displays value accumulation over time. 

📘 What Is a Running Total Excel?

A running total is the sum of a sequence of numbers that updates as new data is added. For example, in tracking sales for the week:

Every day is added to the day's previous total.

🛠️ Creating a Running Total in Microsoft Excel

Assuming your data starts in B2 with the first sales figure:

1. In cell C2, enter: =B2
2. In cell C3, enter: =C2+B3
3. Drag down the fill handle to copy these formulas throughout the entire column.

The running total column now dynamically updates as you add new values.

Formula Variation: SUM Function for Better Readability

To use SUM() for a better-read formula:

=SUM($B$2:B2)

This locks the start of the range but allows the end to expand as you drag the formula down; quite useful when working with hundreds of rows.

🔄 Running Total That Auto-Expands with New Data

Looking for something more advanced? Turn data into an Excel Table (Ctrl + T) and use structured references:

=SUM(Table1[Sales][@Sales])

Or with Dynamic Arrays in Excel 365:

=SCAN(0, SalesRange, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))

This keeps your file much cleaner and more structured for data dashboards.

💡Typical Use Cases for Running Totals

• Daily, weekly, and monthly sales tracking
• Cumulative expenses for budget tracking
• Tracking donations, pledges, or targets
• AttendanceTime logs, Time sheets...
• Financial forecasting models...

🧠 Tips to Remember:

•  Format your totals as currency or add number separators for clarity.
• Use conditional formatting to bring out the trends: for example, when the total exceeds the budget cap.
• Combine with charts for visual tracking.

Whether you're managing funds, trying to forecast growth, or processing data, knowing how to make a running total in Microsoft Excel gives you an upper hand in real-time tracking with ease.

Once you try it, you will never look back!

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• 🌐 Visit our Other Levels Website

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