Use a criterion cell
=SUM($C$2:C2)Put the criterion in H2 so it can be changed without editing the formula.
PASTE-READY RECIPE
Calculate a running total for projects in Google Sheets
Create a cumulative Amount total that grows down the projects table.
QUICK ANSWER
The formula and where it fits.
Calculate a running total for projects in Google Sheets with =SUM($C$2:C2). Paste it into an empty result cell, then change the ranges or criterion to match your columns.
The first Amount reference stays fixed while the second expands by row. In this worked project table, column A stores project labels, B stores Region, C stores Amount, D stores Date, E stores Status and F stores Notes.
The example uses four rows so you can check the output before applying the formula to a larger projects table. Edit any input in the playground and compare the new output with the visible criteria.
- Place the projects table in columns A:F with one header row.
- Paste the formula into an empty cell outside the source range.
- Replace the sample criterion or date limits with the cells used in your file.
- Check one matching row and one non-matching row before filling or sharing the sheet.
TRY ITEdit the table.
Edit the table.
Watch the result change.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Project | Region | Amount | Date | Status | Notes |
| 2 | ||||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | ||||||
| 5 |
FORMULA OUTPUT800 · 1550 · 2750 · 2750Recalculates from the input cells above
VARIATIONS
Use the version that fits your sheet.
Use bounded ranges
=SUM($C$2:C10002)Bounded ranges can calculate faster in a large file.
Return a readable fallback
=IFERROR(SUM($C$2:C2),"No matches")Shows readable text instead of an error when the source has no qualifying rows.
COMMON ERRORS
When the result looks wrong.
The ranges start on different rows
Start every referenced range on row 2 and keep their ending rows aligned.
The criterion does not match the stored data
Check spelling, spaces, number formatting and whether dates are stored as real dates.
Blank rows affect the result
Add Project non-blank logic when unused rows should be excluded.
QUESTIONS
Answers before you paste.
Can this formula use a cell as the project criterion?
Yes. Replace the quoted criterion with a cell reference such as H2.
Can I use this with an open-ended column?
Yes. Whole-column ranges are convenient; bounded ranges can be faster in a very large spreadsheet.
Why does the formula return no match?
Check extra spaces, data types, date values and whether every range begins on the same row.
MAKE IT YOURS
Adjust this formula →Change the ranges, labels or criteria.
Send this recipe to the SheetSteps assistant and describe how your columns are arranged.