Cell references in Excel are like addresses that point to specific cells. Three types of Excel cell references are relative, absolute, and mixed, each with unique functions.

Cells in Excel are referred to using relative or absolute references. A formula with relative references changes when the cell's position does.

Cell References in Excel Formulas When you create a formula in an Excel cell, you'll frequently include a reference to another cell in the spreadsheet.

Unlike relative references, absolute references do not change when copied or filled. You can use an absolute reference to keep a row and/or column constant.

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.

1. Use Relative cell references Always use Relative cell references/addresses (the default is Absolute references) unless your macro is for one specific application in one spreadsheet.