[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
An absolute cell reference points to a specific cell and doesn\u2019t change if you replicate that original cell. In this article we will cover how to turn a relative reference into an absolute one. We will also analyze some cases where this is necessary or useful.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”what” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n It is a cell reference that points to a specific cell which does not change when a formula is replicated.<\/span><\/p>\n By default all cell references are relative<\/b> and if they are copied to another cell they change accordingly. The image below illustrates just that, <\/span>the green cell is the original that was replicated to all other cells<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/absolute_cell_reference_1.webp” alt=”absolute cell reference 1″ title_text=”absolute_cell_reference_1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”30px||30px||true|false” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To point to a specific cell that never changes just add dollar signs to the cell range (\u201c$A$21\u201d). These act as anchors and have to be added before the column and row in the coordinates. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/absolute_cell_reference_3.webp” alt=”absolute cell reference 3″ title_text=”absolute_cell_reference_3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”30px||30px||true|false” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n You can also add a dollar sign to either the column or the row to create a mixed cell reference (\u201c$A21\u201d). In the next example the column is frozen and the row changes.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.sheetgo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/absolute_cell_reference_2.webp” alt=”absolute cell reference 2″ title_text=”absolute_cell_reference_2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_margin=”30px||30px||true|false” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_id=”when” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n An absolute cell reference is a great way to point to one specific value to add in your formulas. As a rule of thumb, you should use them if:<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some common scenarios where it can be particularly useful:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”absolute” _builder_version=”4.24.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Adding dollar signs to existing references in your formulas can be annoying. Fortunately, there is a way to do this easily, just <\/span>place your cursor on the cell reference and press F4<\/b>. This will turn it into an absolute reference.<\/span><\/p>\n Press it again and it will turn into a mixed cell reference with an anchored row, one more time will fix the column instead of the row. One final and fourth tap of F4 will complete the cycle, returning to its original state as a relative reference.<\/span><\/p>\n This saves you the time of having to place your cursor in the right place and type the dollar sign. It isn\u2019t a life changer, but it speeds things up considerably.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”update” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Once you set up an absolute cell reference to a specific value, chances are you have to update it regularly. The next step in your spreadsheet journey is updating information automatically and Sheetgo is the best companion.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are just a handful of Sheetgo features that could automate tasks:<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is an absolute cell reference?<\/span><\/h2>\n
When would an absolute cell reference be most helpful?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Absolute cell reference shortcut<\/span><\/h2>\n
Update reference values automatically with Sheetgo<\/span><\/h2>\n
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