May 15 2021 08:54 PM
Completely new to Excel formulas. I'm using Excel 2010 on Windows 10 64-bit. I am trying to do a simple add and subtract operation using a formula, but when I copy and paste the formula, it does not update the row reference. The formula in question is =SUM($G2-$E3+$E3). My understanding is that the $ makes the column references absolute but the row references should update when copied and pasted. They do not. I have my calculation options set to automatic. I don't know what else to check.
May 15 2021 09:28 PM
Solution@rwadleigh Your understanding of the workings of the $ is correct. When you drag or copy/paste a cell downwards, the row references should update automatically. You are not, by any chance copying from the formula bar? Because then the updating does not happen.
Since you mentioned to be completely new to Excel formulas, allow me to comment on the formula in question. You don't need the SUM function and it isn't really very meaningful. -$E3+$E3 = zero and can thus be omitted. You may use =$G2 to achieve the same outcome.
May 15 2021 10:03 PM
@Riny_van_EekelenThank you for your solution. I was indeed copying from the formula bar. I will also follow your advice for simplifying the formula. And finally, I mistyped the expression in my help request. It should have read =SUM($G2-$E3+$F4) soon to be $G2-$E3+$F4. Thanks again.
May 15 2021 10:05 PM
May 16 2021 07:11 PM
May 16 2021 09:06 PM
@rwadleigh "Add a row back"?? Not sure I follow. Can you upload an example of what you are trying to achieve and indicating what doesn't seem to work?
May 15 2021 09:28 PM
Solution@rwadleigh Your understanding of the workings of the $ is correct. When you drag or copy/paste a cell downwards, the row references should update automatically. You are not, by any chance copying from the formula bar? Because then the updating does not happen.
Since you mentioned to be completely new to Excel formulas, allow me to comment on the formula in question. You don't need the SUM function and it isn't really very meaningful. -$E3+$E3 = zero and can thus be omitted. You may use =$G2 to achieve the same outcome.