Lock a reference with F4
Step 1 of 6
C2 multiplies the hours by the rate in F1. Filled down as it is, C3 would say =B3*F2, and F2 is empty. F1 has to stay put while B2 moves.
Click Continue when you're ready.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consultant | Hours | Fee | Hourly rate | 150 | ||
| 2 | Ana | 12 | 1800 | ||||
| 3 | Ben | 8 | |||||
| 4 | Chloe | 15 | |||||
| 5 | Dev | 10 | |||||
| 6 | |||||||
| 7 | |||||||
| 8 |
Need help?
Why this works
F4 adds the $ signs for you while you edit a formula, to the reference next to the cursor. A $ in front of the column or the row keeps that part fixed when the formula is copied or filled.
Common mistake: Typing the $ signs by hand, or retyping the whole formula to add them. Put the cursor on the reference and press F4.
The answer
- Edit the active cellF2
- Toggle absolute and relative referencesF4
- Confirm and move downEnter
- Fill downCtrl+D
While you edit a formula, F4 adds $ signs to the reference next to the cursor, making it absolute. Press it again to lock only the row, then only the column. On a Mac, use Cmd+T.
+5 points