Using Absolute Cell References in Excel

Absolute Cell References are one of those jargon words we hear used about Excel formulas all the time.

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You may be asked if you’re familiar with Absolute Cell References before attending some of our Excel courses at Happy, or you may have asked for help with a formula and been told “you need to Absolute that cell!”

So what are absolute cell references?

In simple terms, they are cell references that don’t change.

Why do cell references change? Auto fill is the usual culprit.

Auto filled changes in cells


In this example, we created a formula in cell C2 and auto-filled it down to C6. At first glance, everything looks okay, but the answers in cells C3:C6 are wrong.

A quick check of the formula shows that when the formula was auto filled down, the E2 cell reference changed:

Locating auto-filled changes in cells 


The E2 cell reference needs to be used in all of the formulas.

The fix

All we need to do is to Absolute, or fix, the E3 cell reference

  1. Click on the cell containing the formula you wish to change.
  2. Click next to the formula on the Formula bar.
  3. Move the cursor so that it sits next to the cell reference you wish to make absolute.
  4. Press F4 on the keyboard, Dollar signs will appear around the cell reference.
  5. Press Enter.

If we check out the formulas now, you’ll see that not only have the dollar signs appeared around the E3 cell reference, but when we filled the formula down the $E$3 cell reference is now used in every formula and we have the correct answers!

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We help organisations create happy, productive workplaces, where people feel trusted, work to their strengths and are confident with their IT software.

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Our workplace solutions include:
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Jonny Reynolds

Jonny worked at Happy for over 11 years, starting as Operations Manager and working his way up to Business Stream Manager.

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Sign up for our Happy Manifesto newsletter and discover fresh ways to ignite joy and productivity at work. Get expert tips, insights, and ideas that challenge the norm—straight to your inbox. Join our movement and start your journey for a trust-based, values-led organisation.