Copying cell content

Relative copy

Using relative copy, you can easily create number sequences or apply formulas to a series of numbers. Note: If you relative copy formulas to other cells, by default all references are changed according to the target position.

Task

Create a number sequence in column A and relative copy a formula that contains cell references.

Instructions

1.	A1	Enter `1` into cell A1 and `2` into cell A2.
2.		Highlight both cells A1 and A2 and drag the little square in the lower right corner of the highlighted area down to cell A10.
		Note: You just used relative copy to create the integers from 1 to 10 in cells A1 to A10.
3.	A2	Change the number in cell A2 to 3.
4.		Highlight both cells A1 and A2 again and relative copy the new values to the other cells to update the number sequence.

5.	B1	Enter the formula `=A1/2` into cell B1.
6.		Relative copy the formula from cell B1 down to cell B10. Hint: Only select cell B1 and drag the lower right corner of the highlighted area to relative copy its formula to the other cells.
7.		Double click on any cell in column B to check which formula calculated the number value.
8.	A2	Change the number in cell A2 to 5 and update the number sequence by using relative copy. Note: All numbers in column B will adapt to your changes.

Try it yourself...

Absolute copy

If you want to refer to a specific cell while using relative copy, add the $ symbol to the cell name (e.g. $C$1).

Instructions (continued)

9.	C1	Enter the number `4` into cell C1 and confirm your input.
10.	B1	Change the formula in cell B1 to `=A1*$C$1`.
11.		Relative copy the new formula of cell B1 down to cell B10. Note: You just multiplied each value of column A by 4.
12.	C1	Change the number in cell C1 to `10`. Note: All values in column B will automatically adapt to your change.