R1C1 coordinates provide a predictable map for auditing formulas and writing universal VBA macros.

Cells in Excel are referred to using relative or absolute references. A formula with relative references changes when the cell's position does. If, for example, a cell has a formula "=A1" and you copy ...

How to lock a formula in Excel is an essential skill for anyone who works with spreadsheets, especially when handling ...

Microsoft Excel relies on two fundamental reference types when addressing other cells. Absolute references -- which are denoted with a "$" -- lock a reference, so it will not change when copying the ...

Q: My partner says there’s an F4 shortcut to creating absolute cell references in Excel formulas, but for the life of me I can’t make it work. What am I doing wrong? A: Your partner is right, but ...

Another example: If you have cells named SubTotal and Tax, and type a formula =subtotal*tax Excel converts that to =SubTotal*Tax automatically. Because of this and because Excel puts functions in all ...

Q. Sometimes an Excel convenience can become a handicap. For example, if you move a formula to a new location, Excel will automatically change the formula to reflect the new location. But that ...