I have a spreadsheet set up calculate debits and credits and to update the running balance.

I would like to have the balance updated after each entry but to NOT continue down the column repeatedly in those cells that have no entries.

Yes. I CAN pull the formula down as I need to, but I would like it to update without my further action on my part.

I tried using the IF function but it would not work for me. I told the first empty cell in the running balance column, IF (the two adjacent cells) = Zero then running balance column would be blank. IF (the two adjacent cells were greater than zero, then running balance cell plus amount owed less amount paid = new running balance.

It didn't work. Is the answer in front of me and I am not seeing it? LOL Thanks for both your time and effort!

Conditional formatting is one answer. You have 3 columns, one for debits, one for credits and one for the running balance. The running balance contains the formula subtracting the debits and adding the credits to the balance in the cell above.

So in some cases, where there are no debit or credit entries, the running balance is the same as the cell above it.

In the running balance column, apply the following conditional formatting (Tools, Conditional Formatting:

For Condition 1:
"Cell Value Is" in the first box
"equal to" in the second box
"=C2" in the third box, where "C2" is the cell above (the previous running balance)

Click on "Format..." in the Conditional Formatting box and select the white color in the "Color" box (next to Underline). This assumes you have a white background in the spreadsheet.

Using the "Format Painter" tool, you can quickly copy this format to all the cells in the column or as you copy the formula to the other cells, the conditional formatting will go with it.