Absolute Reference in Excel (F4 / ⌘T)
Lock a cell reference with $ signs: click the reference in the formula bar and press F4 on Windows or ⌘T (Command+T) on the Mac. Press again to cycle through the mixed forms.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toggle $ (absolute/mixed/relative) | ⌘T | F4 | |
| Lock both: $A$1 | ⌘T once | F4 once | |
| Lock row: A$1 | ⌘T twice | F4 twice | |
| Lock column: $A1 | ⌘T 3× | F4 3× |
Lock a reference so it doesn't shift
While editing a formula, put the cursor inside a cell reference and press F4 (Windows) or ⌘T (Mac). Excel wraps it in $ signs — A1 becomes $A$1 — so copying the formula no longer moves that reference.
Cycle the four forms
Each press steps through $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 → A1. Stop on the one you need: both locked, row locked, column locked, or fully relative.
FAQ
What is the absolute-reference shortcut in Excel?
Click the reference in the formula and press F4 on Windows or ⌘T (Command+T) on the Mac to add the $ signs.
How do I lock only the row or only the column?
Press F4 / ⌘T repeatedly — each press cycles $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 → A1.
Why does my reference keep moving when I copy the formula?
It is a relative reference. Press F4 / ⌘T to make it absolute ($A$1) so it stays fixed when copied.