By default, a cell reference is relative. For example, when you refer to cell A2 from cell C2, you are actually referring to a cell that is two columns to the left (C minus A), and in the same row (2). A formula that contains a relative cell reference changes as you copy it from one cell to another. For example, if you copy the formula =A2+B2 from cell C2 to C3, the formula references in C3 adjust downward by one row and become =A3+B3.
If you want to maintain the original cell reference when you copy it, you "lock" it by putting a dollar sign ($) before the cell and column references. For example, when you copy the formula =$A$2+$B$2 from C2 to D2, the formula stays exactly the same. This is an absolute reference.
In less frequent cases, you might want to make a cell reference "mixed" by preceding either the column or the row value with a dollar sign ($) to "lock" either the column or the row (for example, $A2 or B$3). To change the type of cell reference:
- Select the cell that contains the cell reference that you want to change.
- In the formula bar
, click the cell reference that you want to change. - Press
+ T to move through the combinations.
The following table summarizes what happens if a formula in cell A1, which contains a reference, is copied. Specifically, the formula is copied two cells down and two cells to the right, to cell C3.
| Current reference (description): | Changes to: |
|---|---|
| $A$1 (absolute column and absolute row) | $A$1 (the reference is absolute) |
| A$1 (relative column and absolute row) | C$1 (the reference is mixed) |
| $A1 (absolute column and relative row) | $A3 (the reference is mixed) |
| A1 (relative column and relative row) | C3 (the reference is relative) |