XL: F4 Key Does Not Change Cell Formula Reference As Expected (212064)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2002
  • Microsoft Excel 2000
  • Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q212064

SYMPTOMS

When you try to change a cell reference to absolute, mixed, or relative by using the F4 key, the cell reference may not change as expected.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when you are trying to change the cell reference of an entire row or multiple rows. For example, if you have

=SUM(2:2)

in cell A1, and try to change the reference using the F4 key, nothing happens.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, type the formula with the appropriate reference or references.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

If you want the reference to be relative, use the following formula:

=SUM(2:2)

If you want the reference to be absolute, use the following formula:

=SUM($2:$2)

An example of a mixed reference would be:

=SUM($2:2)

REFERENCES

For more information about absolute and relative references, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type about cell and range references in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/28/2003
Keywords:kbbug kbpending KB212064
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.