> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://resources.less.tech/less-tech/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://resources.less.tech/less-tech/modelling/action-guides/new-columns/cumulative.md).

# Cumulative

You can use the Cumulative Action to calculate a cumulative running sum or average. It can be helpful before calculating understanding percentiles and calculating contributions to overall sales. Maybe even [Whale Curve](https://www.bakertilly.com/insights/visualizing-customer-profitability-with-the-whale-curve) or [ABC](https://www.cleverism.com/complete-guide-abc-analysis-customer-segmentation-inventory/) segmentations. See the video below for an example.

{% hint style="info" %}
Remember to sort your data in a meaningful way before performing cumulative calculations. Maybe by dates or by volume.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/1aca43bb4e954b8fa1a923d9ca18f256>" %}
The Cumulative Action exemplified with a Whale Curve calculation
{% endembed %}


---

# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
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```
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```

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