Explanation

Cell references determine what happens to a formula when you copy it to another cell.

Relative Reference

Example:

=A2*B2

When copied down:

=A3*B3

The references change automatically.

Absolute Reference

An absolute reference remains fixed.

Example:

=A2*$F$1

Here $F$1 does not change when the formula is copied.

Example

Suppose the tax rate is stored in F1.

Product	Price	Tax
Pen	100
Book	200
File	150

F1 = 18%

In C2:

=B2*$F$1

Copy the formula down.

Mixed Reference

A mixed reference locks either the row or column.

Column Locked

=$A2

Row Locked

=A$2

When to Use

Mixed references are particularly useful when building calculation tables where formulas are copied both across columns and down rows.

Practice

Create a salary calculation sheet using:

• Relative reference
• Absolute reference
• Mixed reference