Why your spreadsheet formulas break when you copy them
Mastering Google Sheets requires more than just typing numbers. This tutorial explains the fundamental difference between relative and absolute cell references, showing you how to prevent calculation errors and build more reliable, automated spreadsheets.
When you copy a formula in Google Sheets, the cell references often adjust automatically. This behavior, known as a relative reference, is useful for many tasks but can cause your calculations to break if you intended to point to a specific, unchanging value.
To prevent this, you can use absolute references by using the dollar sign symbol, such as $E$2. This effectively 'locks' the cell, ensuring that the formula always points to the same location even when moved. The video demonstrates these mechanics using practical examples like multiplication and tax calculations.
Source: Google Sheets Cell References Explained (Relative vs Absolute)
