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How to update formula when inserting rows in Excel?

Author Xiaoyang Last modified
A screenshot showing a SUM formula before inserting rows in Excel

For example, I have a formula =sum(D2:D7) in cell D8. Now, when I insert a row at the second row and enter a new number, the formula automatically changes to =SUM(D3:D8), excluding cell D2, as shown in the left screenshot. In this case, I have to update the cell reference in the formula manually every time I insert rows. How could I always sum the numbers start from cell D2 when inserting rows in Excel?

Automatically update formulas in Excel to include new rows

arrow blue right bubbleAutomatically update formulas in Excel to include new rows

The following formula allows you to update the sum automatically without manually adjusting cell references when inserting new rows. Follow these steps:

1. Enter this formula: =SUM(INDIRECT("D2:D"&ROW()-1)) (D2 is the first cell in the list that you want to sum) at the end of the cells that you want to sum the number list, and press Enter key.

2. And now, when you insert rows anywhere between the number list, the formula will be updated automatically, see screenshot:

A screenshot showing an updated SUM formula in Excel after inserting rows

Tips: The formula will only work correctly if placed at the end of the data list.

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