In Google Sheets, relative and absolute cell references are two types of references used in formulas to refer to cells. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for building effective and flexible spreadsheets. Here's an explanation of each:
Relative Cell Reference :
* A relative cell reference in a formula refers to a cell in relation to the position of the formula cell.
* When you copy or fill a formula containing relative references to other cells, the references adjust automatically based on their relative position to the new formula cell.
* For example, if a formula in cell B1 references cell A1 as =A1, and you copy the formula to cell B2, the reference will adjust to =A2 because it's one row down from the original cell.
Absolute Cell Reference :
* An absolute cell reference in a formula refers to a specific cell by its fixed location, regardless of where the formula is copied or filled.
* An absolute reference is denoted by adding a dollar sign ($) before the column letter, the row number, or both. For example, $A$1 or A$1 or $A1.
* When you copy or fill a formula containing absolute references to other cells, the references remain unchanged.
* Absolute references are useful when you want to refer to a constant value or a cell that you don't want to change as you copy the formula to other cells.
Mixed Cell Reference :
* A mixed cell reference combines elements of both relative and absolute references. For example, A$1 or $A1.
* In a mixed reference, one part (either the row or the column) is fixed (absolute) while the other part is relative.
* When you copy or fill a formula containing mixed references, only the relative part adjusts based on the relative position of the formula cell.
