# absolute and relative references

why a reference changes when you copy a formula, and how $ stops it.

A plain reference like B3 is relative: it describes a position relative to the formula, so copying the formula one row down makes it B4. That is what makes a single formula fill a whole column correctly.

A dollar sign pins part of the address. $B3 keeps the column fixed while the row moves, B$3 keeps the row fixed while the column moves, and $B$3 stays put entirely. Pinning matters when a formula must always point at one rate, total or lookup table.

The $ affects copying and filling only. Inserting or deleting rows and columns adjusts every reference regardless of pinning, because the cell itself has moved — $B$1 becomes $B$2 when a row is inserted above it.

## related

a1 notation · structural edits

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source: https://deepcalc.com/concepts/absolute-and-relative-references