The cell reference C$4 is an example of
2013
The cell reference C$4 is an example of
- A.
Absolute reference to cell
- B.
Relative reference to cell
- C.
Mixed reference to cell
- D.
Simple reference to cell
Attempted by 11 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
In a spreadsheet, a cell address has two parts — a column letter and a row number. A dollar sign ($) placed before a part LOCKS that part so it does not change when the formula is copied to another cell; a part with no dollar sign is RELATIVE and shifts as the formula is copied. How many of the two parts are locked decides the reference type.
The rule for classifying:
Absolute: both parts locked, e.g. $C$4 (column and row both fixed).
Relative: neither part locked, e.g. C4 (both shift on copy).
Mixed: exactly one part locked, e.g. C$4 (row fixed) or $C4 (column fixed).
Application
In C$4 the dollar sign sits only before the row number 4, so the row 4 is locked while the column C has no dollar sign and stays relative. One part fixed and one part free is, by definition, a mixed reference.
Cross-check
Copy a formula holding C$4 one row down and one column right: the column rides along to D (relative), but the row stays 4 (the $ holds it). Exactly one part moved — confirming it is neither fully absolute nor fully relative, but mixed.