Quickly converting relative references into absolute ones(Excel XP, 2003, 2007)

             Generally, formulae in Excel work with relative references, which adjust themselves when copying and moving a formula. However, absolute references, which refer to a fi xed cell, are required for certain calculations.

             Fixed cell references can be held constant by adding a ‘$’ in front of the formula for row or column details. However, this turns the editing of a long formula with several references into torture. This is the easier way out: select a cell that contains a formula and place the cursor in the edit toolbar. Now press [F4] several times one after the other. Every time you press the key, the row and column details of the reference change from relative to absolute and back, till Excel has displayed all possible combinations.
              Generally, after a formula is entered, both the column and row details are relative. When [F4] is pressed for the first time, Excel places the ‘$’ sign in front of both details. Thus, a relative cell reference changes to an absolute one, which does not change when it is copied.
             When you press [F4] again, Excel removes the fi xing of the column detail. When [F4] is pressed for a third time, the fi xing of columns and rows change. When it is pressed for a fourth time, Excel removes all ‘$’ signs and the cell reference is again relative.