Predict a Relative Reference When Copied
Move each relative row reference by the same number of rows as the formula.
About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice
Supplied materials
- Paper and pencil; answers may also be spoken or typed.
- All cases, labels, numbers and rules are supplied on this page. No real account, private information or purchase is needed.
Learn the idea
A relative spreadsheet reference changes with the formula’s copied position. Moving a formula down one row changes its relative row references by one. This lesson states that all references are relative; dollar-sign fixed references are outside this model. Copying a formula is different from copying its old displayed number.
Move each relative row reference by the same number of rows as the formula. Do not keep the old referenced row when the model says the reference is relative.
Use this supplied case: Original=B2+C2 copied down 1 row. What formula follows the stated copy? Use the details in this example. Say which detail helped you choose. This pretend example does not tell us how every real system works.
- Follow the worked example one step at a time. Say or draw what happens.
- Move each relative row reference by the same number of rows as the formula.
- Say which detail makes the example answer fit. Pick another answer and say why it does not fit.
- Try the question and practice questions. Read the rule again if your answer does not match the explanation.
See the method in action
The formula =B8+C8 has relative row references. Copy it down three rows: add 3 to both row numbers, yielding =B11+C11. Copy the original up two rows instead: subtract 2 from each row, yielding =B6+C6. Column letters remain B and C because these copies move only vertically. Copying the old displayed result would be a different operation; no fixed references are included in this paper model.
Check your reasoning
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Helpful tips
- Move each relative row reference by the same number of rows as the formula.
- Do not keep the old referenced row when the model says the reference is relative.
See the answer and explanation
=B4+C4
Original formula=B2+C2 uses relative row 2 references. Copying it down one row adds 1 to both row numbers,so the new formula is=B3+C3. Copying down two rows gives=B4+C4. Copying=B3+C3 up one row gives=B2+C2. This model has no fixed references; merely copying the old displayed number is a different operation. For the requested case, the answer is =B4+C4.
Take it further
Copy relative formula=A4+B4 down 3 rows. Expected:=A7+B7. A fixed-reference rule would need a separately stated contract.
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More practice: try new cases
Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.
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Check the subject sources
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