To make an absolute reference in Excel on a Mac, click in the formula bar on the cell reference you want to lock, such as A1, and press Command + T. Excel adds dollar signs to make it $A$1, so the reference doesn’t change when you copy the formula. You can also type the dollar signs yourself with Shift + 4.
Applies to: Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel 2024 and Excel 2021 for Mac. Checked against Microsoft Support on October 9, 2026.
Relative, absolute and mixed references
When you copy a formula, Excel adjusts its cell references to match the new position. That’s a relative reference, and it’s usually what you want. An absolute reference stays fixed no matter where you copy the formula. A mixed reference locks only the column or only the row.
| Reference | Type | What happens when you copy it |
|---|---|---|
A1 |
Relative | Column and row both change |
$A$1 |
Absolute | Nothing changes |
A$1 |
Mixed | Row stays 1; column changes |
$A1 |
Mixed | Column stays A; row changes |
Make an absolute reference with the keyboard shortcut
- Select the cell with the formula, or start typing a new formula.
- In the formula bar, click inside the reference you want to change, or select it.
- Press Command + T. The reference changes to
$A$1. - Press Command + T again to cycle through
A$1,$A1and back toA1. - Press Return to confirm the formula.
On some Macs, Fn + F4 does the same thing, as F4 does in Excel for Windows. If F4 changes your screen brightness or opens Launchpad instead, use Command + T.
Type the dollar signs yourself
Put a $ (Shift + 4 on a US keyboard) in front of the column letter and the row number. For example, change =B2*E1 to =B2*$E$1. Typing is handy when you want a mixed reference straight away.
Example: apply one tax rate to a column of prices
- Type the tax rate in E1, such as 8%.
- In C2, type
=B2*$E$1to calculate tax on the price in B2. - Press Return, then drag the fill handle down column C.
Each row now multiplies its own price (B3, B4 and so on) by the same rate in E1. Without the dollar signs, Excel would change E1 to E2, E3 and so on, which are empty, and you’d get zeros. For more on this, see how to keep one cell constant in Excel.
Use a name instead of dollar signs
A named cell is always absolute and easier to read. Click E1, type TaxRate in the Name Box to the left of the formula bar, and press Return. Then write =B2*TaxRate. The name works anywhere in the workbook.
Absolute references to another sheet
The same rule applies when a formula points to a different sheet. Click the reference in a formula such as =B2*Rates!E1 and press Command + T to get =B2*Rates!$E$1. The sheet name stays the same either way; only the cell part is locked.
Copy a formula without changing any references
Sometimes you want an exact copy of a formula somewhere else, without adding dollar signs. Click the cell, select the whole formula text in the formula bar, press Command + C, then press Esc. Click the destination cell and press Command + V. Because you copied text rather than the cell, Excel doesn’t adjust the references.
If Command + T doesn’t work
- You’re not editing a formula. The shortcut only works while the cursor is in a formula. Double-click the cell or click in the formula bar first.
- The cursor isn’t on a reference. Place it inside or right after the cell reference, not on an operator or a function name.
- Another app uses the shortcut. Check System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts for a conflict, or type the dollar signs instead.
- The formula still gives wrong results after copying: check that you locked the right part. Use a mixed reference if only the row or column should stay fixed.
Frequently asked questions
What does the dollar sign mean in an Excel formula?
It locks the part of the reference that follows it. $A locks the column and $1 locks the row.
Can I make several references absolute at once?
Yes. Select the whole formula in the formula bar and press Command + T. Each reference changes together.
When should I use a mixed reference?
Use one in tables you fill both across and down, such as a multiplication grid: =$A2*B$1 keeps column A for the row values and row 1 for the column values.
Does this work the same in Excel for the web?
The dollar signs work the same. The keyboard shortcut in a browser on a Mac depends on the browser, so typing the dollar signs is the most reliable option there.
Is the shortcut the same in Numbers or Google Sheets?
No. In Google Sheets on a Mac, press Fn + F4. In Numbers, click the reference’s arrow and choose Preserve Row or Preserve Column.
Related: how to customize the ribbon in Excel for Mac.
Related: How to Add Dollar Signs in Excel.
Related: how to change worksheet tab color in Excel on Mac.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.