Using Absolute and Relative References

Cell references can be relative, absolute, or mixed. A relative reference is a reference that adjusts to the new location in the worksheet when the formula is copied. An absolute reference is a reference whose location remains constant when the formula is copied. A mixed reference is a reference which contains both a relative and an absolute reference.

To enter a relative reference:

1. Type the name of the cell.
2. To enter an absolute reference, type a $, the column name, another $, and the row name.
3. To enter a mixed reference, type a relative reference and an absolute reference in the cell reference.

By default, formulas use relative references. If you want your formula to have an absolute reference you must change the reference to absolute.