Absolute and relative cell references in a spreadsheet
When using a function/formula, while creating a macro, or a custom function we can use cell references in two ways—absolute and relative.
Absolute cell reference
The absolute cell reference indicates that the given column and row references are constant/fixed and will not change irrespective of the change in position of the destination cell. A cell reference can be made into an absolute by appending a "$" sign before the column/row reference in the cell address.
Example:
$A$1 — Both the column and row are absolute.
Relative cell reference
The relative cell reference indicates that the given cell reference is bound to change based on the change in position of the destination cell.
Example:
A1 — Both the column and row are relative.
Mixed cell reference
Apart from absolute and relative cell references you can also use mixed cell references—that is a combination of absolute and relative references.
Examples:
$A1 - The column is absolute while the row is relative.
A$1 - The column is relative while the row is absolute.
$A$1:B1 - The start cell (A1) remains constant while the end cell (B1) is relative.
Note: You can use the F4 key as a shortcut to toggle between the absolute, mixed, and relative cell references inside Zoho Sheet.
Access your files securely from anywhere
Zoho CRM Training Programs
Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.
Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo
If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.
- Zoho Workerly Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
- Zoho Recruit Home
- Forums
- Connect With Us:
Centralize Knowledge. Transform Learning.
All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.
New to Zoho Writer?
Create. Review. Publish.
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.
New to Zoho Survey?
Zoho Sheet Resources
Zoho Forms Resources
New to Zoho Sign?
Zoho Sign Resources
Sign, Paperless!
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
New to Zoho ZeptoMail?
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
New to Zoho Workerly?
New to Zoho Recruit?
New to Zoho CRM?
New to Zoho Projects?
New to Zoho Sprints?
New to Zoho Assist?
New to Bigin?
Related Articles
Enter data into cells
To edit cells in a spreadsheet: Double tap on the cell you wish to edit or single tap on the desired cell, and use the Edit option in the context menu or the formula bar. This will open the keypad for you to start typing. You can switch between the ...Share spreadsheet for collaboration
To share a spreadsheet with others: Go to ••• > Add People in the listing page or spreadsheet editor. Enter the email address of the desired people you want to share the file with, set the access permission, and tap Share. If you are using Zoho ...Locate your spreadsheet's Resource ID
A Resource ID, or an RID of the spreadsheet is an alphanumeric string that forms part of the spreadsheet's URL. The RID always follows the 'open/' part of the URL. For instance, in this URL, ...Create a new blank spreadsheet
To create a new blank spreadsheet, open the app and follow these steps: In the listing page, tap the + icon in the bottom bar. Choose the Blank Spreadsheet option from the listed gallery.CELL
Returns information about the address, format, or content of a given cell. Syntax CELL(info_type; cell_ref ) info_type: Text string that determines which information to return. E.g. "WIDTH" cell_ref: The reference of the cell whose information ...
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources