Course / Spreadsheet Basics

Absolute references with $

Lock a reference with dollar signs so it stays put when you copy a formula. Beginner · 5 min · $A$1, F4

Sometimes every row should point at the same cell, such as a tax rate. If you copy =B2*F1 down, the next row becomes =B3*F2, and F2 is empty.

Add dollar signs to lock the reference: $F$1 never changes when copied. While typing a formula, press F4 to add the dollar signs for you.

Steps

1. In C2, multiply the price by the tax rate in F1, locking the rate with dollar signs: =B2*$F$1

2. Copy C2 down to C6. Then click a few of the new cells and check the formula bar: every one still points at $F$1.

3. In D2:D6, add the tax to each price.

4. The tax rate is going up. Change F1 to 10% and watch every tax and total update.

Remember

• $F$1 is an absolute reference: it never moves when copied.
• Press F4 while editing to cycle through F1 → $F$1 → F$1 → $F1.
• Keep inputs like rates in their own cells and reference them.

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