How to Cell Reference in Excel

In this step-by-step tutorial video, learn about when to use a relative cell reference and when to use an absolute cell reference.

By default, a cell reference is a relative reference in Excel. This means that the reference is relative to the location of the cell. If, for example, you refer to cell A2 from cell C2, you are actually referring to a cell that is two columns to the left (C minus A)—in the same row (2). When you copy a formula that contains a relative cell reference, that reference in the formula will change.

Less often, you may want to mixed absolute and relative cell references by preceding either the column or the row value with a dollar sign—which fixes either the column or the row (for example, $B4 or C$4).

To change the type of cell reference: Select the cell that contains the formula. In the formula bar Button image , select the reference that you want to change. Press F4 to switch between the reference types.

[louisepeters]

I'm doing ICT Level 2 and I told my tutor yesterday that I was leaving the course because this and the IF function made no sense the way he was teaching it. Iv bought 2 books which didnt help and hardly slept, so out of desperation turned to YouTube and found you. Your amazing, I see it so clearly now THANK YOU so much

[roymark]

I've been using Absolute, and Relative Cell References for years, but I still picked up a few tips from this video. Great job Kevin.

[mohamed-hassan-]

Thanks a lot, mate, I've been working with Excel sheets and I'm a programmer that has no idea how things work in Excel, but instead of working right away, I've decided to learn a few fundamental knowledge about excel to be able to understand what I'm doing.. this saves a lot of time.. thanks again

[clintonrodgers]

Kevin, Thank you I enjoy all of your tutorials.

[marinacvir]

Thank you so much! I’ve learned a lot in a total of 9 minutes.

[rasinahbinteshaiksafiudeen]

Your explanation is much better than my lecturer's

[dragnfly]

You sir are awesome !! Just saved me a weeks worth of work.

[klevykids]

took the basic Excel Microsoft certification test, passed it, and still could not get the absolute etc. references. Now I need it for Business Analytics course, your explanation was the best. Thank you, Kevin. Olga

[danaxellind]

Dude thank you so much, we owe you one, big time.

[manojillangasooriya]

This is what I'm looking for mate. U r an absolute legend.

[albertvanzyl]

Thanks a million Kevin, I never really understood this function. But you have made it so clear. Thanks!!

[shurik]

this video is a godsend, thank you mate

[fuiongg]

Thank you for your Help Kevin i really suck at the absolute thing in excel, after watching u made my day great, THANK U, (I'M KEVIN TOO..)

[victoriaagomuo]

Simple, straight to the point. Amazing 😍

[joshmexus]

Kevin u are really a good master of computer

[shawnsongz]

Thank you! You explained it clearly and simply.

[philt]

Hi Kevin, a very useful and well explained video. Many thanks

[XMegaJuni]

Brilliant, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Keep up the great work

[donnalee]

Thank you so much. I know understand the difference between the two.

[tik]

thanks i was using goskill, but had more questions about cell reference, thanks buddy