Relative references in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows two columns of numbers (A and B). Column C multiplies the values in columns A and B row by row using relative references.

Cell	Value
A1	5
A2	10
A3	15
B1	2
B2	4
B3	6
C1	=A1*B1
C2	=A2*B2
C3	=A3*B3

Formula Trace

=A2*B2

Step 1: A2

Step 2: B2

Step 3: 10 * 4

Cell Reference Map

    A    B    C
1 | 5 |  2 | -> |
2 |10 |  4 | -> |
3 |15 |  6 | -> |

The formula in column C uses relative references to multiply the values in columns A and B of the same row.

Result

    A    B    C
1 | 5 |  2 | 10 |
2 |10 |  4 | 40 |
3 |15 |  6 | 90 |

Column C shows the product of columns A and B for each row, calculated using relative references.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What value does the formula =A3*B3 produce?

A 45

B 90

C 21

D 30

Key Result

Relative references adjust row and column numbers when copied to new cells, matching the new cell's position.