Enter =SUM($C$2:$C2) beside the first value in C2, then fill the formula down. The fixed starting reference stays at C2 while the ending row advances, creating a cumulative total without using SCAN.
Create a running total with SUM
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Put the values you want to accumulate in one column. In this example, the first value is in C2.
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In the adjacent output column on the same row, enter
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Press Enter, then fill or drag the formula down alongside the remaining values.
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When you add more values, copy the formula into the corresponding new rows or use the fill handle to extend it.
For values of 5, 3, and 9 in C2:C4, the running totals are 5, 8, and 17. If your data starts elsewhere, change both references to match its first cell. For example, if it starts in A5, use =SUM($A$5:$A5) in the adjacent output cell on row 5.
Why the formula works
The formula sums from the first value through the current row. In $C$2, the dollar signs lock both the column and row, so the beginning of the range does not move. In $C2, the column is locked but the row is relative. When filled down, that endpoint changes to C3, C4, and so on. Microsoft describes the two parts as an absolute reference followed by a mixed reference in its running-total instructions.
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| Method | Best for | What it produces |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding SUM formula | A regular worksheet list where you want a result beside each source row. | A row-by-row cumulative total in worksheet cells. |
| PivotTable “Running Total In” | Data already summarized in a PivotTable, when you want a cumulative result across categories. | A display calculation across items in a chosen base field, rather than a formula beside every raw record. See Microsoft’s PivotTable value-field calculation instructions. |
Using a running total in an Excel Table
Excel Tables can fill a formula through a calculated column and use structured references. However, a table’s typical calculated-column formula is row-oriented; do not assume every expanding running-total formula will automatically fill or behave correctly in every table layout. After entering the formula, check that each row’s range begins at the first data cell and ends at that row. Microsoft explains calculated columns and structured references in its calculated-column guidance.
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Running total or running balance?
A running total accumulates values. A running balance applies transactions that can increase or decrease the balance, such as deposits and withdrawals. For a balance, each row needs to account for the preceding balance and the current transaction amounts; Microsoft provides separate running-balance instructions.
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