Mixed references ($A1, A$1) in Excel - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

Sample data with numbers in columns A and B, rows 1 to 3.

Cell	Value
A1	10
B1	20
A2	5
B2	15
A3	2
B3	8

Formula Trace

= $A1 + A$1

Step 1: $A1

Step 2: A$1

Step 3: $A1 + A$1

Cell Reference Map

10

↓

5

↓

2

The formula in cell B1 uses mixed references: $A1 fixes column A but allows row to change; A$1 fixes row 1 but allows column to change.

Result

10

↓

5

↓

2

The formula result 20 appears in cell B1, summing values from A1 twice due to mixed references.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What value does $A1 refer to when the formula is in cell B1?

A Value in A2

B Value in B1

C Value in A1

D Value in B2

Key Result

Mixed references fix either the column or the row, allowing partial locking of cell references.