Running totals in Excel is easier than ever with AI—no formulas required! Running totals in Excel helps you track cumulative sums easily. They are useful for spotting trends and patterns quickly. They make complex data simpler and assist with analysis and forecasting.
How to Use AI for a Running Total in Excel
AI is everywhere, even in Excel. It helps with data analysis, predictions, and task automation. Excel's AI features make work easier and more efficient. Many tools, like FlashFill, use AI in Excel.
To perform a running total without writing a formula, Quick Analysis tool is the solution. Quick Analysis tool is the option that appears when you select a range of cells. If you don't have this option, go to File > Options > General > Show Quick Analysis Options on selection.
But, according to the orientation of your data, you will not use the same option.
- If your data are presented horizontally
- Select the range of cells that contain the values for your calculation.
- Click on the Quick Analysis options
- Go to Totals tab
- Select the option Running total in blue
Notice that the formula fixes one cell while leaving the other unfixed.
- If your data are presented vertically
- Select the range of cells that contain the values for your running total.
- Click on the Quick Analysis options
- Go to the Totals tab
- Click on the right arrow to open extra options
- Select the option Running total in yellow
Is this the best technique?
If you are a beginner, this tool will help you a lot. However, it is not the best solution if you perform this calculation over a large range of cells 😱😱
In fact, with this solution, you reuse the same first cell many times. For instance, cell G2 is used in each formula. The best solution is to use the formula explained in this article. That way, you only have 2 cells to add. This is better because it saves a lot of resources.
