Absolute

Let's do the exact same thing, except this time with an absolute cell reference.

Everything becomes "Center". Why? Because...

Absolute references do not change column/row values when copied into a different cell.

Now that we have visualized relative vs. absolute cell references, let's learn how to code them.

How to code an absolute cell reference

Now, instead of relatively referencing B2 in F2, let's absolutely reference it.

How do you code an absolute reference?

For absolute references, place a "$" before the column and row values.

So, if we wanted to absolutely reference B2 in F2, we'd type the following into F2:

=$B$2

Notice how we typed the "$" before the column (B)...

=$B$2

...and before the row (2).

=$B$2

Now, if we autofilling the value in F2 into E2, we won't get "Left" like we did before...

...we'll get "Center". That's because we are absolutely referencing the column...

=$B$2

...so even if the cell gets copied to a different column, it will remain the same as the original absolute cell reference.

The same will occur if we copy the value in F2 into F1, since we're absolutely referencing the row.

Challenge question!

What do you think will happen if we remove the column absolute reference and try copying F2 into G2?

=B$2

The copied cell does not stay "Center" as it did before, it becomes "Right". That's because removing the "$" from the column value made it a relative column reference.

If we copy this cell downwards, it will remain "Center". That's because the row reference is still absolute.