An absolute cell reference keeps both the column and row fixed when you copy or fill a spreadsheet formula. In A1 notation, $A$1 always points to cell A1.
What an absolute cell reference means
In a formula, $A$1 identifies a specific cell: the dollar sign before the column fixes column A, and the dollar sign before the row fixes row 1. Copying or filling the formula elsewhere does not change that reference. Microsoft describes an absolute reference as one that always refers to a cell in a specific location. Microsoft’s overview of Excel formulas explains the reference types and their behavior.
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For example, if a formula uses a tax rate stored in A1, writing the reference as $A$1 keeps the formula pointed at that rate when you copy the formula to other rows or columns.
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How absolute, relative, and mixed references differ
The dollar signs control whether the column, row, or both adjust when a formula is copied. A reference without a dollar sign is relative to the formula’s position.
| Reference type | Example | Column when copied | Row when copied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute | $A$1 |
Fixed | Fixed |
| Mixed: fixed column | $A1 |
Fixed | Relative |
| Mixed: fixed row | A$1 |
Relative | Fixed |
| Relative | A1 |
Relative | Relative |
Use $A$1 when both parts must stay put, $A1 when only the column must stay put, and A$1 when only the row must stay put. With A1, Excel adjusts the reference based on where the copied formula lands.
How to change a reference in Excel
In the desktop editions covered by Microsoft’s instructions, you can cycle through reference types while editing a formula:
- Select the formula and place the cursor on the cell reference in the formula bar.
- Press F4 to cycle the reference between relative, absolute, and mixed forms.
The exact keyboard behavior can depend on the computer and Excel version. Microsoft’s instructions list the supported desktop editions and shortcut details at Switch between relative, absolute, and mixed references.
Absolute references in Google Sheets
Google Sheets also uses dollar signs to mark fixed parts of a cell reference. Google’s conditional-formatting instructions include absolute references in an example, so the notation is useful beyond Excel.
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