how to auto increment cell location within formula

forgive me if this is basic stuff but I am trying to figure out the
following: have 2 columns of numbers say C and D where I need a running
total starting at say D4 with the formula=SUM(C4-C3) then D5 would be
SUM(C5-C4); then D6 SUM(C6-C5) and so on. Is there a way to automate
this? Thanks - Bill

Hi!

Just enter this formula in D4:

=C4-C3

Now, just drag copy down the column and the cell references will
automatically increment.

Biff

"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> forgive me if this is basic stuff but I am trying to figure out the
> following: have 2 columns of numbers say C and D where I need a running
> total starting at say D4 with the formula=SUM(C4-C3) then D5 would be
> SUM(C5-C4); then D6 SUM(C6-C5) and so on. Is there a way to automate
> this? Thanks - Bill
>

Hi Bill, are you referring to Autofill? Once you have a relative cell
reference in (without $ signs) as in your example, you move your mouse to the
lower right hand corner of that cell and your cursor turns from white cross
hair to a black crosshair, left-click and hold, drag it down as far as you
need it to go.

HTH,
Kevin M

"Bill" wrote:

> forgive me if this is basic stuff but I am trying to figure out the
> following: have 2 columns of numbers say C and D where I need a running
> total starting at say D4 with the formula=SUM(C4-C3) then D5 would be
> SUM(C5-C4); then D6 SUM(C6-C5) and so on. Is there a way to automate
> this? Thanks - Bill
>
>

thanks - worked great; I thought I tried this yesterday but apparently
botched it.
Bill
Biff wrote:
> Hi!
>
> Just enter this formula in D4:
>
> =C4-C3
>
> Now, just drag copy down the column and the cell references will
> automatically increment.
>
> Biff
>
> "Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > forgive me if this is basic stuff but I am trying to figure out the
> > following: have 2 columns of numbers say C and D where I need a running
> > total starting at say D4 with the formula=SUM(C4-C3) then D5 would be
> > SUM(C5-C4); then D6 SUM(C6-C5) and so on. Is there a way to automate
> > this? Thanks - Bill
> >