About this lesson

Copying formulas and locking references with $

Put a $ before the column letter and row number (for example $G$1) to lock a reference so it doesn't move when you copy the formula. While editing, F4 on Windows or ⌘T on Mac adds the $ signs for you.

=B2*$G$1

Worked example

Translate regional revenue from AUD to USD with one FX rate, copy the formula down, and see why $G$1 stays put.

CellWhat it works outFormulaResult
C2New South WalesRevenue (US$m)=B2*$G$1315.0
C3VictoriaRevenue (US$m)=B3*$G$1202.3
C4QueenslandRevenue (US$m)=B4*$G$1265.3
C5Western AustraliaRevenue (US$m)=B5*$G$190.3
C6New ZealandRevenue (US$m)=B6*$G$144.8

The data

ABCDEFG
1RegionRevenue (A$m)Revenue (US$m)AUD/USD0.65
2New South Wales450
3Victoria289
4Queensland379
5Western Australia129
6New Zealand64

Try it