Question:

What is meant by cell reference, absolute cell reference and relative cell reference?

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Define cell reference as a cell address, then state that absolute (dollar D dollar 6) stays fixed and relative (D6) changes when copied.
Updated On: Oct 26, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Meaning of cell reference:
A cell reference identifies the location of a cell or a group of cells in the spreadsheet. It is also called a cell address. For example, D6 means column D and row 6. This part carries 1 mark.

Step 2: Absolute cell reference:
An absolute cell reference has the column letter and the row number with a dollar sign before each, for example dollar D dollar 6.
We use it when we want the reference to stay fixed on one specific cell.
If the formula is copied to other cells, the reference still points to the same cell.

Step 3: Relative cell reference:
A relative cell reference has no dollar sign, for example D6.
When a formula is copied and pasted to other cells, the reference changes to match the new place.
So a formula in the next row will point to the next row.

Step 4: Compare the two:
Absolute stays put and relative moves with the formula. This is the only difference between them. Each part carries 1 mark, so the answer gets 3 marks.

Final Answer:
Cell reference is the address of a cell, absolute reference (dollar D dollar 6) stays fixed when copied, and relative reference (D6) changes when copied.
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