How to Keep One Cell Constant in Excel?

In Excel, sometimes you want to keep one cell constant or fixed while performing calculations that involve other cells. This is especially useful when you are copying formulas or performing calculations across multiple rows or columns, but you need to refer to the same cell without it changing.

The solution to this issue is using absolute references, a method that “locks” a specific cell reference in your formulas. This article will guide you on how to keep one cell constant in Excel using absolute references and other techniques.

Table of Contents

What Is an Absolute Reference in Excel?

In Excel, there are three types of cell references:

Relative Reference (e.g., A1): Changes when you copy the formula to another cell.
Absolute Reference (e.g., $A$1): Does not change when you copy the formula to other cells. It locks both the row and column.
Mixed Reference (e.g., A$1 or $A1): Locks either the row or the column, but not both.

When you want to keep a specific cell constant while copying a formula across cells, you need to use an absolute reference.

How to Use Absolute References to Keep One Cell Constant

Let’s explore the steps to lock a cell reference and make it constant using absolute referencing.

Step 1: Understand the Dollar Sign ($)

The dollar sign$ is used to create absolute references in Excel. It locks the column, the row, or both.
- $A$1: Locks both the column (A) and the row (1).
- A$1: Locks the row (1) but allows the column (A) to change.
- $A1: Locks the column (A) but allows the row (1) to change.

Step 2: Convert a Cell Reference to Absolute

To lock a reference to a specific cell, add the dollar sign before both the column letter and the row number in your formula.
- Example: If you have a formula like =A1+B1, and you want to keep A1 constant while you drag the formula, change it to =$A$1+B1.
- This way, even when you copy the formula to other cells, A1 will remain the same.

Step 3: How to Apply Absolute References

Click on the cell where you want to enter the formula.
Type the formula as usual, but before you enter a reference (like A1), insert the dollar signs to lock the reference (e.g., =$A$1).
Press Enter to apply the formula.

Step 4: Use the F4 Shortcut

You can quickly add absolute references by using the F4 key:
- Place your cursor on the reference you want to lock.
- Press F4 on your keyboard to toggle between different reference types:
  - A1 (relative reference)
  - $A$1 (absolute reference)
  - A$1 (mixed reference)
  - $A1 (mixed reference)
- Press F4 again to toggle between these options until you find the desired reference style.

Examples of Keeping One Cell Constant in Excel

Example 1: Using Absolute Reference for a Fixed Value in a Formula

Imagine you have a cell A1 that contains a fixed discount rate (e.g., 10%), and you want to apply that discount to several price values in column B.

In cell B1, you have a price (e.g., $100).
In cell C1, you want to calculate the price after applying the 10% discount. The formula will be:
- =B1*(1-$A$1) (assuming $A$1 has the discount rate 0.1).
Now, when you copy the formula from C1 down to other rows, the reference to $A$1 will stay constant, and the price in B1 will adjust.

Example 2: Using Absolute Reference for Fixed Time or Date

Suppose you have a start date in cell A1, and you want to calculate the end date for several projects by adding different durations (in column B).

In cell A1, enter the start date.
In cell B1, enter the duration in days.
In cell C1, calculate the end date using the formula: =$A$1+B1.
Copy the formula down to other cells, and the start date $A$1 will remain fixed while the durations (in column B) change.

Why Use Absolute References?

Preventing Reference Errors: When copying formulas across rows or columns, relative references change. Absolute references ensure that specific cell references (like constants or parameters) remain fixed.
Simplifying Complex Calculations: For repeated calculations, using absolute references avoids the need to manually update the reference in every formula, saving time and reducing the likelihood of errors.

When to Use Absolute vs. Mixed References

Absolute Reference ($A$1): Use when both the row and column must remain constant (e.g., a constant value or parameter across the entire sheet).
Mixed Reference (A$1 or $A1): Use when only one part of the reference (either row or column) needs to stay constant. This is useful when working with data that needs to change in one direction but not the other (e.g., keeping the row constant but allowing the column to vary).

Conclusion

Using absolute references in Excel is a powerful technique to keep one cell constant while performing calculations across rows or columns. This method is essential for managing fixed values or constants that need to be referenced throughout your worksheet, ensuring consistent and error-free calculations.

F4 Shortcut: Quickly toggle between reference types.
Lock Both Row and Column: Use $A$1 to keep both the row and column constant.
Mix References: Use $A1 or A$1 when you want to lock just the row or column.

By mastering absolute references, you can enhance the flexibility and accuracy of your Excel calculations, making your spreadsheets more efficient and easier to work with.