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Functions for dummies
What does the $ & ! mean in a formula?
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#2
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Functions for dummies
"gamegirl" wrote in message ... What does the $ & ! mean in a formula? "$" means that the reference is absolute, i.e. it won't change when you copy or drag the formula. |
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Functions for dummies
"gamegirl" wrote:
What does the $ & ! mean in a formula? Since this is a "for dummies" question, I hope you won't mind a word of advice. In the future, include concrete examples in your question. The answer to your question so far is: it depends on the context. You neglect to offer anything. In the first place, I presume you are asking about "$" and "!", not also "&". (Hint: Don't use symbols ambiguously when you are asking about symbols. Klunk!) If the context is something like Sheet1!$A$10, the answer is: 1. "!" is merely a separator, a way to tell Excel that the preceding string is a worksheet name. 2. "$" denotes an absolute reference, in contrast with a relative reference like A1. The difference becomes evident when you copy a formula. An absolute reference like $A$10 rarely changes. (Exception: If you delete any one of rows 1 through 9, Excel will change $A$10 to $A$9 automagically.) A relative reference might be changed automagically; Excel tries to be intelligent about if and how it is changed. For example, put the formula =A1 into B1. Now copy B1 into B2:B10. You will see =A2 in B2, =A3 in B3, etc. In contrast, put =$A$1 into B1, and copy B1 into B2:B10. You will see =$A$1 in all cells. |
#4
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Functions for dummies
....and the "!" is used to seperate the Sheet name from the cell reference.
-- Best Regards, Luke M "Gordon" wrote in message ... "gamegirl" wrote in message ... What does the $ & ! mean in a formula? "$" means that the reference is absolute, i.e. it won't change when you copy or drag the formula. |
#5
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Functions for dummies
As this is a learning opportunity don't forget that the absolute reference
does not have to be applied to both column and row references. The examples given all quote e.g. $a$1 It is possible to have $a1 or a$1 depending upon your requirements. -- Russell Dawson Excel Student Please hit "Yes" if this post was helpful. "gamegirl" wrote: What does the $ & ! mean in a formula? |
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