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How to Use SCAN in Excel to Build Running Calculations

Use Excel’s SCAN function to return running totals and other intermediate results, understand its LAMBDA arguments, and find an older-edition alternative.
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To calculate a running total from values in A2:A11, enter =SCAN(0,A2:A11,LAMBDA(a,v,a+v)) in an empty cell with room for the results to spill. SCAN starts with zero, adds each value to the running accumulator, and returns every intermediate total as an array.

Build a running total with SCAN

In this example, the values are in A2:A11. Select an empty cell where the results can spill, then enter:

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=SCAN(0,A2:A11,LAMBDA(a,v,a+v))

The returned array contains a running total for each input value, in the same order. For example, if the inputs are 4, 7, and 2, the results are 4, 11, and 13.

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How the SCAN formula works

Microsoft describes SCAN as applying a LAMBDA to each value in an array and returning the intermediate results. Its syntax is =SCAN([initial_value],array,LAMBDA(accumulator,value,body)). The initial value sets the accumulator’s starting state; the array supplies the inputs; and the LAMBDA calculates the next accumulator value for each input. See Microsoft’s SCAN function reference.

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  • 0 is the initial value in the running-total formula.
  • A2:A11 is the input array.
  • a names the accumulator: the running result carried forward from the previous step.
  • v names the current value from the input array.
  • a+v adds the current input to the accumulator to produce the next result.

The names a and v are LAMBDA parameter names; you can choose other names, provided you use them consistently inside the calculation.

Start from an existing balance

To include an opening balance, use that balance as SCAN’s initial value instead of zero. For example, if the opening balance is in B1, use =SCAN(B1,A2:A11,LAMBDA(a,v,a+v)). Each returned result then includes the opening balance plus the inputs processed so far.

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Use SCAN for other running calculations

The LAMBDA body determines what value is carried forward. Microsoft’s examples show multiplication and text concatenation as well as addition:

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  • Running products: =SCAN(1,A1:C2,LAMBDA(a,b,a*b)) multiplies each value by the accumulator; the initial value is 1.
  • Concatenate values: =SCAN("",A1:C2,LAMBDA(a,b,a&b)) appends each value to the accumulated text; the initial value is an empty string.

These examples and the function syntax are documented in Microsoft’s SCAN reference. Choose an initial value and operation that make sense for the calculation you want to carry forward.

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Check whether your Excel version supports SCAN

Microsoft’s SCAN support page lists Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2024 for Windows and Mac. Its function reference marks SCAN as introduced in Excel 2024. If you use an earlier perpetual edition, check your installed version rather than assuming the function is available. Sources: SCAN function and Microsoft’s logical functions reference.

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Use a copied-down formula in older editions

If SCAN is unavailable, Microsoft documents a conventional running-total method for Excel editions listed from Excel 2016 onward. With the input values in column C starting at row 2, enter this in the first result row and copy it down:

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=SUM($C$2:$C2)

The dollar signs keep the starting cell fixed at C2, while the ending row adjusts as the formula is copied. The next row becomes =SUM($C$2:$C3), so each formula sums from the first value through the current row. See Microsoft’s running-total instructions.

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Method Availability documented by Microsoft How results are produced
SCAN Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2024 for Windows and Mac One formula returns an array of intermediate results that needs room to spill.
Copied-down SUM Microsoft’s instructions list editions from Excel 2016 onward Enter =SUM($C$2:$C2) in the first result row and copy it down.

Choose based on the edition available and whether your worksheet can accommodate spilled results or is better served by a formula in each row.

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Fix common SCAN and LAMBDA errors

  • #VALUE! with “Incorrect Parameters”: Microsoft says this can occur when SCAN receives an invalid LAMBDA or the wrong number of parameters. Check that the LAMBDA has both an accumulator parameter and a current-value parameter, and that its body returns the next accumulator. See Microsoft’s SCAN troubleshooting guidance.
  • #VALUE! from a LAMBDA argument mismatch: Microsoft’s LAMBDA guidance also notes that an incorrect number of arguments returns this error. Match the arguments supplied by the calling formula to the LAMBDA parameters.
  • #CALC! when testing a LAMBDA alone: A LAMBDA entered in a cell without being called can return this error. Test it through SCAN or another formula that supplies its arguments.

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