Absolute & Relative References

When copying a formula to another cell there are two things to be happening to the formula.

1. Adjust the formula in the new cell according to the cell
2. Didn't change the formula or part of it according to the destination cell

There are two names for these situations

• Relative Reference
• Absolute Reference

Relative reference means that the formula changing according the new cell it copying and absolute reference is not adjusting the formula as it copies. The difference made by the $ in the formula (before/after the column letter) Without $ mark in the formula, it works as a relative formula.

There are 3 types of absolute references.

• Use Fixed Cells
• Use Fixed Columns
• Use Fixed Rows

If use =$A$1 ($ in both sides of column letter) in any cell, this formula will not change according to

the destination cell. (Fixed Cell). Whenever copy formula to a new cell new cell formula also =$A$1. No change in formula according to the destination cell

If we use =$A1 and copy it to a new cell, the column will not change. As an example, let's think we

enter =$A1 to the cell C1 and copy it to cell D1. The formula in cell D1 will be =$A1 because $ in front of the column letter locks the column. If we paste the formula to cell D2, The formula in cell D2 will be =$A2, Because the formula has locked only for column changes.

If we use =A$1 and copy it to a new cell, the row will no change. As an example, let's think we enter =A$1 to the cell C1 and copy it to cell D1. The formula in cell D1 will be =B$1 because $ after the column letter locks the row. If we paste the formula to cell D2, The formula in cell D2 will be =B$1, Because the formula has locked only for row changes.