- column
- TECHNOLOGY Q&A
Toggle Between Relative and Absolute Cell References in Excel With F4
Please note: This item is from our archives and was published in 2009. It is provided for historical reference. The content may be out of date and links may no longer function.
Related
AI-driven spreadsheet tools — what CPAs need to know
Car talk: M&A, AI and EVs changing the dealership landscape
Is spending on technology spinning out of control?
TOPICS
Q: My partner says there’s an F4 shortcut to creating absolute cell references in Excel formulas, but for the life of me I can’t make it work. What am I doing wrong?
A: Your partner is right, but while I can’t tell you what you’re doing wrong, I can tell you how to do it right.
When you type the cell reference in your formula, press F4. For example, in the formula =A6*B7, press F4 right after you type the 6 and the absolute reference $ will appear. Press F4 again after you type the 7—and voìla:
Wait, there’s more. If you continue to press F4 when your cursor is just to the right of A6, the formula will toggle between relative and absolute references through four options in this order: A6, $A$6, A$6, $A6.