1. Absolute and relative referencing
© EIT, Author Gay Robertson, 2017

2. What is a relative reference?
When we use a relative cell reference, the cell reference will change if we fill or copy the formula down to other rows, or out to other columns. A relative cell reference looks like this =A1 * C3 the column letters and the row numbers are both relative

3. Let’s look at using a relative formula and filling it down

4. These are the formulas that you used when creating workbooks in NZCC2 Productivity Tools – you used RELATIVE REFERENCES

5. What is an absolute reference?
An absolute cell reference is used when we DO NOT want the cell reference to change

6. What is an absolute reference?
An absolute reference is ONLY USED when ABSOLUTELY necessary

7. What is an absolute reference?
An absolute reference looks like this =D6*E$ the $ sign is the absolute
This says – go absolutely to Row 4

8. What is an absolute reference?
When we fill down the relative references will change BUT the absolute reference will NOT change

9. Absolute references can be put on Rows eg numbers
Absolute references can be put on Rows eg numbers A$1 or B$6 or G$9 Columns eg letters $A1 or $B6 or $G9 or on both Rows eg numbers & columns eg letters $A$1 or $B$6 or $G$9

10. How do we know where to put the $ sign for an absolute
How do we know where to put the $ sign for an absolute? Generally – if we are copying or filling DOWN make ROW absolute (put the $ sign before the row number A$1) ACROSS make COLUMN absolute (put the $ sign before the column letter $A1 )

11. Let’s look at an example of filling down a formula

12. Let’s look at an example of column absolute

13. Let’s hope that helped! But, if it didn’t make much sense – I can go through this again!

14. Why would I use absolute references?
In business, your spreadsheets will be generally a lot more complex and a lot larger than the little exercises you are working with

15. Why else?
If you have a worksheet that covers 5 whole A4 pages, then the use of correct absolute references are very important if you don’t want to do things again and again - instead of being able to copy your formulae
Remember, it is often hard to get absolute referencing correct to begin with, but it is definitely worth it!