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ADV EXCEL CLASS NOTES

Cell References 

Cell references tell Excel where to find data used in formulas. When formulas are copied to other cells, Excel can automatically adjust the references based on the type of reference used.

Types of Cell References

Reference Type Example Description
Relative A1 Changes row and column when copied.
Absolute $A$1 Row and column remain fixed.
Mixed F$1 or $F1 Either row or column remains fixed.

Mixed Reference Example

Assume the price of one book is stored in cell F1 and the quantity of books is stored in column B.

Name Books Qty Total Price
Amit Sharma 2 =B2*F$1

Book Price (F1) = 335

Formula:

=B2*F$1

Result:

=2*335
=670
Why F$1?
The row number (1) is locked using $, so when the formula is copied down, Excel always uses the Book Price from row 1.

Shortcut Key

Shortcut Purpose
F4 Switch between Relative, Absolute and Mixed References.