How to Calculate Percentage of a Total in Google Sheets
Type =A2/SUM(A:A) and format the cell as a percentage to see what share each row is of the column total.
=A2/SUM(A$2:A)
Divides the row value by the column total. The $ locks the total so you can drag the formula down. Then format as percentage.
How it works
A percentage of total is just the part divided by the whole. Put the row value on top and the column total on the bottom, then apply percentage formatting (Format → Number → Percent) so 0.25 shows as 25%. Lock the total range with a dollar sign — A$2:A — so that when you copy the formula down, the denominator stays pointed at the full column instead of shifting.
Variations
Percentage change between two numbers
=(B2-A2)/A2
New minus old, over old. Format as percent.
Percentage of a fixed total in one cell
=A2/$D$1
Use when the total lives in a single cell like D1.
Whole column of percentages at once
=ARRAYFORMULA(A2:A/SUM(A2:A))
Fills every row from one formula; format the column as percent.
Examples
| Scenario | Formula |
|---|---|
| Each region's share of total sales | =B2/SUM(B$2:B) |
| Month-over-month growth | =(C2-B2)/B2 |
FAQ
Why does my percentage show as a tiny decimal?
The cell is not formatted as a percentage. Select it and choose Format → Number → Percent, or click the % button in the toolbar.
How do I stop the total from moving when I drag down?
Anchor it with a dollar sign: =A2/SUM(A$2:A). The $ before the row keeps the range start fixed.
How do I calculate percentage change?
Use =(new-old)/old, for example =(B2-A2)/A2, then format as percent. A negative result means a decrease.