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Functions for dummies



 
 
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  #1  
Old March 22nd, 2010, 05:31 PM posted to microsoft.public.excel.newusers
gamegirl
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Default Functions for dummies

What does the $ & ! mean in a formula?
  #2  
Old March 22nd, 2010, 05:37 PM posted to microsoft.public.excel.newusers
Gordon[_13_]
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Default 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.

  #3  
Old March 22nd, 2010, 05:50 PM posted to microsoft.public.excel.newusers
Joe User[_2_]
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Default 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  
Old March 22nd, 2010, 05:52 PM posted to microsoft.public.excel.newusers
Luke M[_4_]
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Posts: 451
Default 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  
Old March 22nd, 2010, 09:31 PM posted to microsoft.public.excel.newusers
Russell Dawson[_2_]
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Posts: 173
Default 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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