Excel lock a reference with F4 shortcut (F2, F4)

Lock a reference with F4 in Excel: F2, F4 (Mac: Fn+F4 (or Cmd+T))

Windows	`F2, F4`
Mac	`Fn+F4 (or Cmd+T)`
Group	formula

Practice this shortcut

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What it does and when to use it

While editing a formula, F4 cycles the reference under the cursor through $B$13, B$13, $B13 and back to B13. The mixed forms are what let one formula fill a whole grid: lock the column to fill right, the row to fill down.

The common mistake

Stopping one press short. Four states means three presses from B13 to $B13; count them, or read the reference before you press Enter.

Related shortcuts

Make a reference absolute F2, F4, Enter
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+`
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

What does F4 do in Excel?

In a formula it cycles the absolute and relative forms of the reference at the cursor. Outside a formula it repeats the last action.

F4 does nothing on my laptop. Why?

The F-keys are set to media keys. Press Fn+F4, or change the keyboard setting so the F-keys behave as function keys.

Learn it by pressing it

Shortcutdrill gives you a task on a live sheet and a limit on key presses, so the shortcut has to become a reflex. Twenty-five drills are free; Pro unlocks all 80 for $9 a month, $29 a year, or $49 once.

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