How do I keep one part of a formula constant?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ed S
  • Start date Start date
E

Ed S

I am looking to find the numbers of days between two dates. G2 will have the
current date and there will be multiple entries in column E.

I know how to find the number of days, G2-E4 gives me what I want but when I
copy the formula to get G2-E5 it changes G2 to G3.

How do I keep the G2 portion constant?

Thanks to all in advance.
 
You need to change your formula from relative reference to G2 to absolute
reference. To do this, you simply need to add a $ symbol before the position
in the cell reference that you wish to remain unchanged when copied. Your
formula below becomes:

=G$2-E5

When you copy the above down one row is becomes =G$2-E6.

Read more here:

http://www.techonthenet.com/excel/questions/referencing.php


ALTERNATIVELY

You could name cell G2 and use this in your formula. Let's say you call G2
fixedDate, your formula becomes

=fixedDate-E5

When copied down this becomes =fixedDate-E6

Instructions on naming cells:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000704.htm
 
Thank you for the prompt replies.

AltaEgo said:
You need to change your formula from relative reference to G2 to absolute
reference. To do this, you simply need to add a $ symbol before the
position in the cell reference that you wish to remain unchanged when
copied. Your formula below becomes:

=G$2-E5

When you copy the above down one row is becomes =G$2-E6.

Read more here:

http://www.techonthenet.com/excel/questions/referencing.php


ALTERNATIVELY

You could name cell G2 and use this in your formula. Let's say you call G2
fixedDate, your formula becomes

=fixedDate-E5

When copied down this becomes =fixedDate-E6

Instructions on naming cells:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000704.htm
Click to expand...
 
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