Which of the following represents an Absolute Cell Reference in a formula?

Which of the following represents an Absolute Cell Reference in a formula?

• A. B2
• B. $B$2
• C. B$2
• D. $B2

Answer: (B)

In spreadsheet applications, an absolute cell reference is used when you want a cell reference to remain constant, regardless of where the formula is copied or moved within the spreadsheet. The absolute cell reference is denoted by placing a dollar sign before both the column letter and the row number. The correct answer, which represents an absolute cell reference, is written as $B$2. Here, the dollar sign before the column letter 'B' indicates that the column reference is fixed, and the dollar sign before the row number '2' means that the row reference is also fixed. As a result, when the formula containing this reference is copied to other cells, it will always refer to the exact cell B2, maintaining the integrity of the data it references. In contrast, the other options represent different types of references: B2 is a relative reference that changes when copied; B$2 is a mixed reference that keeps the row fixed while allowing the column to change; $B2 keeps the column fixed while allowing the row to change. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective use of formulas in a spreadsheet, particularly in complex calculations or data management tasks.

In spreadsheet applications, an absolute cell reference is used when you want a cell reference to remain constant, regardless of where the formula is copied or moved within the spreadsheet. The absolute cell reference is denoted by placing a dollar sign before both the column letter and the row number.

The correct answer, which represents an absolute cell reference, is written as $B$2. Here, the dollar sign before the column letter 'B' indicates that the column reference is fixed, and the dollar sign before the row number '2' means that the row reference is also fixed. As a result, when the formula containing this reference is copied to other cells, it will always refer to the exact cell B2, maintaining the integrity of the data it references.

In contrast, the other options represent different types of references: B2 is a relative reference that changes when copied; B$2 is a mixed reference that keeps the row fixed while allowing the column to change; $B2 keeps the column fixed while allowing the row to change. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective use of formulas in a spreadsheet, particularly in complex calculations or data management tasks.