Excel For Farmers: Absolute Cell Referencing

Nick Horob


One of the features that makes spreadsheets so powerful is absolute cell referencing.

Absolute cell referencing allows users to keep a row and/or column constant when copying formulas or data from one cell to another. An absolute reference is designated in a formula by the addition of a dollar sign. The dollar sign may precede the column that is referenced, the row referenced, or both. See below for examples of the different levels of referencing.

  • $A$1: The column and the row do not change when copied
  • A$1: The row does not change when copied
  • $A1: The column does not change when copied

When using a Windows-based computer, use F4 as a keyboard shortcut to cycle through the different levels.

When using a Mac computer, ⌘ + T is the keyboard shortcut.

Check out the short video below for more information on absolute cell referencing.

PS. spreadsheets are awesome but they can “break” when trying to view all of your farm data in one place. Check out an on-demand demo of our software here: https://www.harvestprofit.com/demo

Nick Horob

Nick Horob

Passionate about farm finances, software, and assets that produce cash flow (oil wells/farmland/rentals). U of MN grad.

Fargo, ND
http://www.harvestprofit.com
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