References control what happens when you copy formulas down or across.
Types
- Relative
A1— shifts with copy - Absolute
$A$1— locked to column A row 1 - Mixed
$A1orA$1— lock one dimension
Example
B2: =$A$1 * A2 ' tax rate in A1 fixed, row grows'F4 toggle
In formula bar, select reference and press F4 to cycle $ styles.
Important interview questions and answers
- Q: $A$1?
A: Absolute—column and row fixed when copying. - Q: F4?
A: Cycles reference lock types.
Self-check
- When use $A$1?
- What does F4 do on a reference?
Tip: Press F4 on each reference while building tax/rate formulas once, then copy down.
Interview prep
- $A$1?
Absolute reference locked when copying.