How to Create Excel Floating Total Row (2 Quick Ways)

In this article, I am sharing with you how to create Excel floating total row with a running total.  Creating a floating row with a running total in Excel can provide valuable insights for data analysis. A floating row provides instant updates on running totals as you add or modify data. The running total enables you to observe changes over time.

In the following, you will find an overview of how to create a floating total row with a running total in Excel.

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How to Create Excel Floating Total Row: 2 Quick Ways

In the following, I have shared 2 simple ways to create floating total row with running total in Excel.

Suppose we have a dataset of  Customer ID, Customer Name, Age, and their Total Purchase. Now we will create a floating row with running total in Excel.

1. Use Watch Window Feature to Float Row with Running Total

The Watch Window feature in Excel provides a convenient way to create a floating row with a running total. Simply, select the cells containing the running total formula and click the watch window feature to monitor and track the cumulative values in a separate window. Thus, you will be visible as you navigate through your spreadsheet.

Step 1:

• First, let’s start with calculating the running total. To do so, create a new column with the heading Running Total.

• Second, select the whole data table and click Table from the Insert tab.

• Immediately a window will be opened named Create Table.
• Simply, hit OK to create your table.

• Now, choose a cell (F5), write the below formula down, and hit ENTER.

• In short, you will get your running total output in your hands.

Step 2:

• In this next step, we will create a floating row for visualizing the data more accurately. To do so, choose the Watch Window option from the Formulas tab.

• Then you will get a Watch Window feature a the top of the spreadsheet.
• Next, we will select a cell (F14) that contains the final running total from the column and click Add Watch.

• After that, we will hit Add to get the total value in the newly created watch window.

• Finally, we have got the total output at the top of the ribbon.

• Now let’s check whether the total value in this sheet is working properly or not. Choose a cell (E5) and press DELETE to remove the value from the cell.

• As a result, you will see the running total value has changed in the floating window and at the end of the running total column.

2. Utilize Freeze Panes Feature to Float Row with Running Total

The Freeze Panes feature in Excel offers a practical solution to create a floating row with a running total. By freezing the desired row containing the running total, you can keep it visible while scrolling through extensive datasets.

Step

• Following the previous method determine the running total.
• At the top of the table, we will choose a cell (F4) and apply the below formula to get the final running total value.

• Then, just below the running total output select a cell (G5) and choose Freeze Panes from the View tab.

• Then, you will get some rows frozen starting from the chosen cell. In order to check simply scroll down your table.

• In conclusion, you will see the selected rows are freezed. Thus you can create floating row with a running total. It’s that simple.

Things to Remember

• Don’t forget to use relative cell references in your running total formula to allow it to adjust automatically as new data is added or modified.
• If you’re using the Freeze Panes feature, remember to enable Scroll Lock to ensure the floating row remains visible even when scrolling through large datasets.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply conditional formatting to a floating row with a running total?

Yes, you can apply conditional formatting to a floating row with a running total in Excel. Using conditional formatting, you can enhance the visibility and interpretation of your running total data.

• Can I have multiple floating rows with different running totals in the same Excel worksheet?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple floating rows with different running totals in the same Excel worksheet. Simply apply the appropriate formulas to each floating row based on the specific data you want to track.

• What happens if I insert or delete rows within the floating row range?

If you insert or delete rows within the floating row range, the running total formula may need to be adjusted. Ensure that the formula references the correct cells after the insertion or deletion of rows to maintain the accuracy of the running total calculation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a floating row with a running total in Excel revolutionizes data analysis and tracking. Utilizing features like Freeze Panes or the Watch Window, you can seamlessly monitor cumulative values in real time. This empowers you to make informed decisions, identify trends, and stay up-to-date with the latest insights. Take a tour of the practice workbook and download the file to practice by yourself. Please inform us in the comment section about your experience. We, the Exceldemy team, are always responsive to your queries. Stay tuned and keep learning.