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About this lesson
Learn about working with absolute and relative cell referencing.
Exercise files
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Cell Referencing - Begin.xlsx25.4 KB Cell Referencing - Complete.xlsx
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Quick reference
Cell Referencing - Theory
Working with absolute and relative cell referencing, and techniques for copying formulas
When to use
Use to ensure that formulas are targeted at the intended cells when you copy them from one location to another
Instructions
Relative vs absolute referencing guide
When you copy the formula and your original cell is shown as:
- A1: Both the column and row will change.
- $A1: The column will always point to A, but the row will change.
- A$1: The column will change, but the row will always point to 1.
- $A$1: Both the column and row will remain pointed to A1.
Key points to remember: Ranges are not loyal. You need to pay them (using $ signs) to stay put!
Copying methods
- Right-click and choose copy. Select the destination, right click and choose Paste (or Paste Special)
- Press CTRL + C to copy, and CTRL + V to paste
- Use the fill handle to extend formulas across a range
Select the range first, enter your formula, then press CTRL + Enter to commit it to multiple cells at once
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