Shortcut answer

Excel Absolute Reference Shortcut: Make a Cell Reference Fixed

Quickly add dollar signs to an Excel formula reference with the keyboard shortcut for absolute and mixed references.

Quick answer

Select or edit a cell reference in an Excel formula, then press F4 on Windows to cycle between relative, absolute, and mixed references. On Mac, press Command+T.

Shortcut reference

Windows

F4

Cycle A1 → $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 while editing a formula.

Mac

⌘ + T

Cycle reference types in current Excel for Mac versions.

Manual absolute reference

$A$1

Lock both the column and row when a shortcut is unavailable.

How the shortcut works

An absolute reference stays fixed when you copy a formula. For example, =B2*$F$1 always uses the value in F1, even when the formula is filled down or across. This is useful for tax rates, exchange rates, lookup tables, and other constants stored in one cell.

Pressing F4 repeatedly changes which part is locked: A1, $A$1, A$1, and $A1. Stop on the form you need before pressing Enter. If you are not actively editing a formula or have not selected a reference, F4 may repeat the last action instead.

Helpful tips

  • Use $A$1 to lock the row and column, A$1 to lock only the row, and $A1 to lock only the column.
  • Excel for the web and different keyboard layouts can expose slightly different function-key behavior; the formula bar and Edit menu remain reliable fallbacks.