Cell references in Excel are like addresses that point to specific cells. Three types of Excel cell references are relative, absolute, and mixed, each with unique functions.

Cells in Excel are referred to using relative or absolute references. A formula with relative references changes when the cell's position does.

Microsoft Excel updates cell references when you copy an expression. Here are a couple of workarounds for those rare occasions when you don't want to change the cell references.

Q: My partner says there’s an F4 shortcut to creating absolute cell references in Excel formulas, but for the life of me I can’t make it work.

Cell References in Excel Formulas When you create a formula in an Excel cell, you'll frequently include a reference to another cell in the spreadsheet.

1. Use Relative cell references Always use Relative cell references/addresses (the default is Absolute references) unless your macro is for one specific application in one spreadsheet.

The Absolute Reference/dollar signs tell Excel not to use Relative cell references (cell addresses that change based on the relative location). 4. Copy the formula from B2 down to B11.