How to Use Excel’s Relative Reference – Example
We want to add the marks of two subjects entered in column A and column B and display the result in column C. Here, we will use relative reference so that the same rows of columnsExcel A and B are added.
Step 1: Open Excel and Enter Data
Open your Excel Sheet and enter the data into the Excel sheet. In this example, we are entering marks 1 and 2 in columns A and B respectively with total marks in column C.
Step 2: Enter the Formula
Now we need to enter the formula to add marks 1 and 2. We write the formula in any cell and press enter so that it is calculated. In this example, we write the formula(= B2 + A2) in cell C2 and press enter to calculate the formula.
Step 3: Click on Fill Handle
Now click on the Fill handle at the corner of the cell which contains the formula(C2).
Step 4: Drag the Handle
Drag the Fill handle up to the cells you want to fill. In our example, we will drag it to cell C10.
Now we can see that the addition operation is performed between the cells A2 and B2, A3 and B3, and so on.
Step 5: Check the Performed Action
You can double-click on any cell to check that the operation is performed in between which cells.
Thus, in the above example, we see that the relative address of cell A2 changes to A3, A4, and so on, similarly the relative address changes for column B, depending on the relative position of the row.
Excel Relative and Absolute Cell References
When working with formulas in Excel, it’s crucial to understand the difference between relative and absolute cell references. These two types of cell references behave differently when copied or filled into other cells.
Relative cell references change based on their position when a formula is copied to another cell, making them highly useful for repetitive calculations across different rows or columns. Absolute cell references, on the other hand, remain constant regardless of where they are copied, ensuring that a specific cell reference does not change.
By mastering both relative and absolute references, you can enhance your Excel skills, making your data management and formula application more efficient. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, knowing how to use these references correctly is essential for accurate and effective spreadsheet work.
Table of Content
- What is a Cell Reference in Excel?
- Types of Cell References in Excel
- Relative Reference in Excel
- Absolute Reference in Excel
- How to Use Excel’s Relative Reference – Example
- How to Use Absolute Reference: Example
- How to use Cell References with Multiple Worksheets in Excel
- Difference Between Absolute and Relative cell Reference in Excel
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