A Running Total in Excel is also called a Cumulative Sum; it is evaluated by summing numbers that increase or grow in quantity, degree, or successive additions. This total is updated every time new data is entered. The SUM function is typically used to calculate the Running Total in Excel. However, when calculating the running total to observe how the data changes with each new entry, the first-row reference must be absolute while the others change.
For example, consider the below table.
Here, let us use the SUM function to find the result in cell B7.
The formula is =SUM(B2:B6)
Next, we can find the cumulative total as shown in the below table.
Let us learn how to find the running total in Excel in this article.
Running Total in Excel is also known as Cumulative Sum. The cumulative running total is valuable for analyzing data and making informed decisions.
Cumulative functions in Excel are primarily utilized in financial modeling. The ultimate cumulative value will always equate to the “Total Sum.”
The terms “Total Sum” and “Running Total” may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct differences in their computations.
The “Total Sum” calculates the sum of all numbers in each data series, while the “Running Total” adds the previous value to the current value in the data series.
How To Calculate Running Total (Cumulative Sum) In Excel?
Calculating running total or cumulative sum in Excel is a simple process that can save time and effort for professionals engaged in data analysis. The quickest way to do this is by using the SUM formula and the range of cells we want to add.
Start by inserting the formula “=SUM (number).”
Examples
Example #1 – Performing “Running Total Or Cumulative” With Simple Formula
The following example depicts the set of values, and we will Perform “Running Total or Cumulative” with Simple Formula.
In the table,
Columns A and B shows the S. No. and the Values.
The steps to evaluate the values by calculating Running Total in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the cell where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell B12.
Step 2: Next, we will enter the SUM Formula in cell B12.
Step 3: The complete formula is =SUM (B2:B11) in cell B12.
Step 4: Next, press Enter key. The result is obtained in cell B12.
Step 5: To calculate the Cumulative Total, enter the formula in cell C2.
Step 6: Next, we will enter =B2 in cell C2.
Step 7: Press the Enter key. The result is obtained in cell C2 as 1000.
Step 8: Enter the Formula =B3+C2 in cell C3.
Step 9: Next, press Enter key. The result is obtained in cell C3.
Step 10: Select cell C3, then press and drag the cursor to cell C11.
Note: The last value of the Cumulative total in cell C11 and the total of the values in B12 are the same.
Example #2 – Performing “Running Total Or Cumulative” With “SUM” Formula
The following example depicts the installment per day of the week, and we will Perform “Running Total or Cumulative” with the “SUM” Formula.
In the table,
Columns A and B shows the days and the installment per day.
The steps to evaluate the values by calculating Running Total in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the cell where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell B9.
Step 2: Next, we will enter the SUM Formula in cell B9.
Step 3: The complete formula is =SUM (B2:B8) in cell B9.
Step 4: Press the Enter key. The result is obtained in cell B9 as 700.
Step 5: To calculate the Cumulative Total enter the formula in cell C2.
Step 6: The complete formula is =SUM (C1, B2) in cell C2.
Step 7: Now, press the Enter key. The result is obtained in cell C2.
Step 8: Select cell C2, then press and drag the cursor to cell C8.
Example #3 – Performing “Running Total Or Cumulative” With A Pivot Table
The following example depicts the monthly spent, and we will Perform “Running Total or Cumulative” with a Pivot Table.
In the table,
Columns A and B shows the month and the spent money.
The steps to evaluate the values by calculating Running Total in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the cell where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell B14.
Step 2: Next, we will enter the SUM Formula in cell B14.
Step 3: The complete formula is =SUM (B2:B13) in cell B14.
Step 4: Next, press Enter key. The result is obtained in cell B14.
Step 5: Select the table range from cell range A1:B13 and click the Pivot Table button from the Tables group of the Insert tab.
Step 6: The Pivot Table from table or range window pops up.
Step 7: The selected range is in the Select a table or range text box.
Step 8: Select Choose where you want the Pivot Table to be placed. In this case, we have selected the Existing Worksheet radio button. The entered location in the text box is Sheet3!$E$1:$G$13.
Step 9: Select the OK button.
Step 10: The Pivot Table Fields section opens. Select and drag the table headers in the Rows and Values section. Drag the Values section header twice; one is for Total and the other for the Running Total.
Step 11: Select any Sum of Spent 2-column cell and right-click on it. Select the Show values as right arrow and select the Running Total In… option from the list.
Step 12: The Show Values As window opens; click OK.
Step 13: It forms the pivot table with Total and Running Total as shown in the below image.
Example #4 – Performing “Running Total Or Cumulative” With A Relative Named Range
The following example depicts the monthly withdrawals and deposits in an account, and we will Perform “Running Total or Cumulative” with a Relative Named Range.
In the table,
Columns A, B, C, and D shows the date, description, amount and cumulative total.
The steps to evaluate the values by calculating Running Total in Excel are as follows:
Step 1: Select the Options… from the More menu under the File tab.
Step 2: The Excel Options window opens.
Step 3: Select the Formulas option from the list.
Step 4: Select the R1C1 reference style under the Working with the formula section, and click OK.
Step 5: Select the Define Name button from the Define Names group of the Formulas tab.
Step 6: The New Name window opens.
Step 7: Set the Name as Cum and refer to it as =R[-1]C, then click OK.
Step 8: Select the cell where we will enter the formula and calculate the result. The selected cell, in this case, is cell C4R2.
Step 9: Next, we will enter the SUM Formula in cell C4R2.
Step 10: The complete formula is =SUM (RC [-1], Cum) in cell C4R2.
Step 11: Press Enter key. We obtain the result in cell C4R2.
Step 12: Select cell C4R2, then press and drag the cursor to cell C4R6.
Important Things To Note
Tracking the ongoing total of a particular data set, we can gain a deeper understanding of trends and patterns over time. This information is used in strategic decision-making and drive positive outcomes for any organization.
In finance, marketing, or any other field that relies on data analysis, the cumulative running total is essential for success.
To avoid issues that arise when inserting or deleting rows from data, a running total is performed on a relatively named range.
The approach ensures data integrity and consistency, regardless of any changes made to the data set.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the advantage of using Running Total in Excel?
The running total feature in Excel allows users to track cumulative totals of a series of values over time. It is beneficial in tracking sales, expenses, or any other metric where we need an ongoing record. By using the running total formula, the need for manual calculations becomes obsolete and leads to fewer errors. The real-time nature of this function means that the total will be updated immediately with each new input, providing a quick snapshot of how the data has progressed over time.
2. What is the disadvantage of using Running Total in Excel?
One disadvantage of using Running totals in Excel is that they can be inconsistent across different data sets. This is because running totals are based on the order of the data, and small changes in the order can lead to significantly different results.
Download Template
This article must help understand the Excel Running Total formula and examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.
This has been a guide to Running Total in Excel. Here we learn how to calculate the running total in Excel with examples & downloadable Excel template. You can learn more from the following articles –
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