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Absolute vs. Relative references |
| You can often design a spreadsheet so that you
build a given formula once, then copy it to perform multiple calculations in other
worksheet cells. To do this effectively, it is helpful to have a clear understanding of the difference between relative and absolute formula addresses (i.e., references). An absolute reference tells Excel to refer to that specific number (in its specific location) no matter where in the worksheet the formula gets copied. For example, this cell reference is a relative reference: C2 . If the cursor is currently in cell C3, Excel translates C2 as, "the location one row higher in the current column." When the formula is copied, Excel will use this translation to change the reference. Copy the formula in cell C3 to cell D3 and the reference to C2 will change to D2. A cell reference such as $F$4 indicates an absolute reference (also called an absolute address). Excel translates $F$4 as, "always refer to this specific location, no matter where this formula gets copied or moved." |
| Learn more |
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A presentation is available that describes absolute and relative references in more detail, with screen shots. |
