How to Calculate Cumulative Percentage in Excel: 6 Useful Methods (2023)

In this article, we will explore six useful methods to calculate cumulative percentages in Excel. Microsoft Excel provides numerous methods and functions to calculate cumulative percentages, which can save you time and effort when dealing with large datasets. Let's dive into the different methods:

1. Manual Approach to Calculate Cumulative Frequency & Determining the Cumulative Frequency Percentage

To calculate cumulative frequency and determine the cumulative frequency percentage manually, follow these steps:

Select the cell where you want to start calculating the cumulative frequency (e.g., D5).
Enter the formula =C6+D5 in cell D6, where C6 is the current value and D5 is the previous cumulative frequency.
Press Enter and use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column D.
Select the whole column E and apply the percentage format.
In cell E5, divide D5 (the first value from cumulative frequency) by the total sales (e.g., D14). The formula will be =D5/$D$14.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column E.

2. Apply Data Ranges or Intervals into Histogram

Another method to calculate cumulative percentages is by using a histogram. Follow these steps:

Enable the Data Analysis command if it's not already enabled.
Under the Data tab, select the Data Analysis command.
Choose the Histogram option and click OK.
Select the input range (e.g., C5:C14) and the bin range (the range or intervals).
Choose the output range (e.g., E4) and select the Cumulative Percentage and Chart Output options.
Click OK to generate the histogram with cumulative percentages.

3. Create an Excel Pivot Table to Determine Cumulative Percentage

Using an Excel Pivot Table can make it easier and more time-saving to determine the cumulative percentage. Follow these steps:

Under the Home tab, select the Analyze Data command.
Choose Insert Pivot Table.
In the Pivot Table, double-click cell B3 and select Show Value As > % Running Total In.
Rename the field to "Cumulative Percentage."
The cumulative percentages will be shown in column B.

4. Find out the Percentage of the Unit Values and Running Total in Excel

To find the percentage of the unit values and the running total in Excel, follow these steps:

Select the cell where you want to display the total sales (e.g., C15).
Enter the formula =SUM(C5:C14) to calculate the total sales.
Select columns D and E and apply the percentage format.
In cell D5, divide C5 by the total sales (e.g., C15). The formula will be =C5/$C$15.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column D.
In cell E5, copy the value from cell C5.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column E.

5. Use Sum Function to Compute Cumulative Frequency and Percentage

You can also use the SUM function to compute cumulative frequency and percentage. Follow these steps:

Select the cell where you want to start calculating the cumulative frequency (e.g., D5).
Enter the formula =SUM($C$5:C5) in cell D5.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column D.
In cell E5, divide D5 by the total sales (e.g., D14). The formula will be =D5/$D$14.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column E.

6. Embed Immediate Formula to Calculate Cumulative Percentage in Excel

The last method involves using a direct formula to calculate cumulative percentage. Follow these steps:

Select the cell where you want to start calculating the cumulative frequency (e.g., D5).
Enter the formula =SUM($C$5:C5)/SUM($C$5:$C$14) in cell D5.
Use the fill handle to drag the formula down to fill the remaining cells in column D.

These six methods provide different approaches to calculate cumulative percentages in Excel. Choose the method that best suits your needs and data structure. With these techniques, you can save time and efficiently calculate cumulative percentages in Excel.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored six useful methods to calculate cumulative percentages in Excel. We discussed manual approaches, using histograms, creating pivot tables, utilizing the SUM function, and embedding immediate formulas. Each method offers a unique way to calculate cumulative percentages based on your specific requirements. By leveraging these methods, you can efficiently analyze and interpret data in Excel.