How to Format Relative References in Excel. Microsoft Excel relies on two fundamental reference types when addressing other cells. Absolute references -- which are denoted with a "$" -- lock a ...

Cell References in Excel Formulas When you create a formula in an Excel cell, you'll frequently include a reference to another cell in the spreadsheet.

The Absolute Reference/dollar signs tell Excel not to use Relative cell references (cell addresses that change based on the relative location). 4. Copy the formula from B2 down to B11.