Make a reference absolute in Excel: F2, F4, Enter

Make a reference absolute in Excel: F2, F4, Enter (Mac: Fn+F4, Enter)

Windows	`F2, F4, Enter`
Mac	`Fn+F4, Enter`
Group	formula

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What it does and when to use it

One press of F4 on a reference turns B12 into $B$12, fixed in both directions. That is what a tax rate, a growth rate or a price needs before the formula is filled down or across.

The common mistake

Locking the whole reference when only one axis needed locking, then being unable to fill in the other direction.

Related shortcuts

Evaluate part of a formula F2, select the part, F9, Esc
Enter one formula into many cells Select, type, Ctrl+Enter
Total a whole block at once Select the block plus a blank row and column, Alt+=
Show formulas instead of values Ctrl+`
Create names from labels Select labels and values, Ctrl+Shift+F3, Enter
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

When do I need $ in a formula?

When the formula will be copied and a reference must not move: inputs, rates, lookup tables. References that should move with the row stay relative.

Learn it by pressing it

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