ABSOLUTE REFERENCEExcel has three types of cell references that may be used in formulas: relative, absolute, and mixed. In this section we will concentrate on absolute reference. Remember in grade school when you had to solve for the common denominator? Well absolute reference IS that denominator. In formulas that use absolute referencing, the user has decided that both column and row references will remain the same when the cell is copied.

In order to denote that you want to make an absolute cell reference, you must use the ($) or press f4 on your keyboard. A sample absolute reference cell looks like this $A$15.

SCENARIO: iDesign Training Solutions is a consulting firm that works with clients to create short term training solutions. Each consultant receives a monthly bonus based on the number of clients that he or she works with for the month. We will create a formula using the absolute reference to calculate the amount of the monthly bonuses.

SAMPLE EMPLOYEE WORKSHEET

Absolute Cell Referencing – Microsoft Excel 1

CREATING A FORMULA WITH ABSOLUTE CELL REFRENCES

To calculate the bonus structure for each employee in the month of January. You will need the following formula:

BASE SALARY * BONUS STRUCTURE (this will be the absolute reference)

Let’s calculate the January Bonus for Myrick Johnson

1. Select Cell C122. Type = C5 (Base Salary) *$B$19 (Bonus % earned based on # of clients serviced)3. Press Enter4. The bonus amount should be $1,680.

If you try to use the fill handle to copy the formula to C13, C14, or C15, you will notice that all of those formulas are still referencing $B$19. The column or row did not change when the formula was copied.

Absolute Cell Referencing – Microsoft Excel 2