Page 71 - Penta Book's ICT Catalogue

TASK 3
References

As you know, a cell takes its name from the column letter and row number to
which it belongs. A cell reference is the “address” of the cell and identifies its

location. When you want to copy the same formula to new cells, you can use
the relative and absolute references. See how below!

Relative Reference For example, type the contents of columns
Relative Reference is the cell A and B below and in cell C2, type =A2*B2.
reference. When you copy a cell
that has a formula, the formula If you copy the
changes automatically. The formula A2*B2
change depends on the relative to cell C3, it will
Computing and ICT . Sample Pages DIGITAL TEENS 2 MODULE 5 Absolute Reference
become A3*B3.
position of rows and columns.

Sometimes you want to keep a cell, a row or a column constant when copying a formula. You
have to declare this when you create the formula by using the $ (dollar sign). This way, you
create an absolute reference which doesn’t change when it’s copied or “filled”.

$E$1 The cell doesn’t change when it is copied. Both the column and the row remain the same.
8 $E1 The row changes when it is copied, but the column remains the same.
5. Analyzing data / References
5. Analyzing data / References
/ References / References For example, type the contents of columns A and B below and in cell C2, type =$D$1*B2.
GRADE E$1 The column changes when it is copied, but the row remains the same.

If you fill the formula
$D$1*B2 into column C,
Notice that when the number of the formula will change
the row changes, the cell that to become $D$1*B3,
$D$1*B4, etc.
has the $ sign stays the same.

SMART TIP

An easy way to remember how to use the dollar sign is to think about how you want to use
the Autofill tool. If you want to use it horizontally, then type the dollar sign in front of the
70 letter (column). If you want to use it vertically, type it in front of the number (row).
Penta Books