How to Calculate Cumulative Sum
Last updated: 2026-09-06
⚡ Quick Answer
A running total tracks accumulated financial performance or inventory levels across sequential periods.
=SUM($B$2:B2)📊 Visual Demo
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fx =SUM($B$2:B2)
| A | B | C | D | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Month 1 | $1,000 | =SUM($B$2:B2) | $1,000 |
| 2 | 2 | Month 2 | $2,500 | =SUM($B$2:B3) | $3,500 |
| 3 | 3 | Month 3 | $1,200 | =SUM($B$2:B4) | $4,700 |
🧠 Deep Dive
A running total tracks accumulated financial performance or inventory levels across sequential periods.
Key Insights
- SUMIF/COUNTIF take one criteria; SUMIFS take many.
- Expanding ranges create running totals.
Common Mistakes
- Mismatched range sizes in SUMIFS.
- Quoting numeric criteria cell references.
Pro Tips
- Make criteria ranges full columns.
- Test COUNTIFS first.
FAQ
What does this formula do in plain English?
A running total tracks accumulated financial performance or inventory levels across sequential periods.
Why is my formula not working?
Mismatched range sizes in SUMIFS.
Does this work in Google Sheets?
Yes, this syntax is fully compatible with Google Sheets.
What is the most common mistake?
Quoting numeric criteria cell references.
Related Guides
How to Use SUMIFS in ExcelHow to Use COUNTIFS in ExcelHow to Calculate Moving AverageHow to Use SUMIF in ExcelExcel Error Hub
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