Have you ever copied a formula to a different cell and it no longer worked? In most cases, this is primarily due to the cell referencing in the formula.

Relative Cell Referencing

This is the most common type of referencing.  Relative cell referencing is used to perform simple tasks such as Auto Fill.   This type of referencing changes/adjusts when copied in the spreadsheet.

Example: =SUM(B2:B5)

Absolute Cell Referencing

This type of referencing essentially locks part of the formula to a specific row and column.  This is achieved by using “$”

That’s right, a dollar sign.  $$$

Example: =SUM($B2:$B5)

In this example we are telling the formula to take Cell A3 and multiply $245.54 by 2.3% in Cell E2.  By using dollar signs around Cell E2, we can hold this cell constant.  Using the Auto Fill feature, copy the same formula down the spreadsheet.

Summary of Cell Referencing

$A1 – Allows row reference to change, not the column

A$1 – Allows column reference to change, not the row

$A$1 – Allows neither the column nor the row reference to change.

Ever need to quicky convert decimals to time in Excel?  Well, now you can!

A user of this site sent us an email asking how to convert decimals on a timesheet to actual time.  The easiest way is to use the formula below.

=A1/(24*60)

Cell B2 will now display a decimal. 

We now need to format Cell B2 to display time.  To make this happen, right click the cell and click “Format Cells”

Once open, go down to the “Custom” category.  In the “Type” field, enter  “hh:mm:ss” and click OK!

Were done!

That’s pretty simple Excel tip, but it does come in handy.  If anyone is having any difficulty, simply use the comment box below.

To multiply numbers or cells in Excel, we must use a basic formula.  All Formula’s in Excel begin with “=”

The asterisk “*” is used as the multiplication symbol between cells. In most cases, multiplication will occur between two individual cells.  However, you still can use the * in certain formulas.

Example Formula:  =A2*B2

Hit the “Enter” key or “Check Mark” to confirm the formula.

1. Start with a list of data.
   
2. Next, place your curser in Cell C1 and enter the following functions as shown. =PROPER()
   
3. Enter the cell A1 between the parenthesis. =PROPER(A1)
   
4. Now drag the formula down to convert the remaining names to lower case. Simple huh!
   

Current date and time

=NOW()

Current Date

=TODAY()