Cell References in Excel | What are the 3 Types of Cell References?

You probably seen a dollar sign in Excel formulas, especially if you work with numbers a lot. These formulas are common to copy in different cells or even sheets. Because they can lock down the formulas for certain reasons. These are cell references in technical terms. So, what are the 3 types of cell references in Excel?

What is a cell reference in excel?

Excel has three types of cell references. And namely, these are relative, absolute and mixed references. If you learn how to use each type of reference, your excel formulas can get better.

Here we will go over the basics of each type of reference. So you can start using them in your own work.

What are the 3 types of cell references in Excel? cell reference excel definition

Each type has a specific purpose. So, knowing how to use each type is key to creating accurate formulas to work.

Before using them directly, you should assess each reference type and then use them in your own work.

Relative Cell References

A relative cell reference says that it is relative to the position of the formula. Relative references are useful when you want to apply a formula to a range of cells. The reference will change when you copy the formula. So that it always refers to the correct cells.

Example cell references in Excel

If you want an example, consider if you have a formula in cell A1. And it sums the values in cells A2:A5. So the references in the formula will change when you copy the formula to cell B1. The new formula will sum the values in cells B2:B5.

To create a relative reference, you should simply enter the cell address without using dollar signs ($). For instance, if you want to reference cell A1, you would just enter A1 (without the $ sign).

Absolute Cell References

An absolute cell reference means it is a fixed cell. And this means it will not alter when you copy or move a formula. Absolute references are ideal to refer to particular cells each time. These will not change no matter where they are moved.

In case you wanna create an absolute reference, you can use dollar signs ($). It is like this: $A$1. This instructs Microsoft Excel always to link A1 with the formula. It stays same even if the equation is relocated.

Mixed CF

A mixed cell reference actually is both absolute and relative. Because cross references are useful when you want some parts of a formula to be absolute. Yet, you want other parts to be relative.

For instance, if you have a formula that sums the values in cells A1:A5, you might want to refer to cell A1 absolute so that it never changes, but make the references to cells A2:A5 relative.

cell referencing in excel

To do this, you would use a cross-reference like this: $A1. This tells Excel to keep the reference to cell A1 absolute. It also meant to make the references to cells A2:A5 relative.

Now that you know the basics of cell references in Excel. As a next move, you can start using them in your work. But here it is good to remember always to use the correct reference type.

And if you have any questions,  you can feel free to contact our support team for help.

What is CF in Excel for example?

A cell reference in Excel refers to a specific cell or range of cells in a spreadsheet. Cell references are handy mediums in formulas to calculate values based on some cells or exclude some of them.

For example, if you have a formula that sums the values in cells A1:A5. The references in the formula will change when you copy the formula to cell B1. Hence, the new formula will sum the values in cells B2:B5.

cell references in Excel

You can also use cell references to create charts and graphs based on your data. And if you need to change the data in your spreadsheet, you can update the cell references instead of rewriting the entire formula.

Applying cell references in multiple spreadsheets

You may refer to any cell on any worksheet using the majority of spreadsheet tools. And  it is quite useful if you need to cross-reference a certain number between worksheets.

All you have to do is start the cell reference with the name of the worksheet. And you will end it with an exclamation point (!) . For instance, Sheet1!A1 would be the cell reference for cell A1 on Sheet1 if you were to use it.

But you must include a worksheet name in single quote marks (‘ ‘) if it contains a space.

Conclusion on cell references in Excel

Cell references can either be absolute or relative. An absolute cell reference refers to a cell that will not budge. It means the formula stays fixed when you copy or move it.

Absolute references are clutch when your formulas need to always point to certain cells. And the formula as well as result will stay same no matter where they go.

Notes: cell references in Excel

For an absolute reference, you should use dollar signs ($) like this: $A$1. Because this sign tells Excel we always want A1, even if the formula gets to somewhere else.

In conclusion, Cell Reference in Excel refers certain cells in a spreadsheet. And they are used in formulas to calculate values. Cell references can be absolute or relative. Best part is, they are useful for creating Excel charts and graphs and making updates to data.