It is possible in Excel to create a cell reference using $ to prevent Excel from incrementing the row/column designator when the formula is copied. IE, if you fill a formula containing the reference $A$1 across a row, every pasted formula will remain referencing $A$1. However, if you do not manually add the $ prefix, the row/column designator will increment automatically.
When you enter formula entry mode and then click on another cell, that cell's reference will be insert at the cursor's position inside the formula.
Is there a modifier combo I can hold such that clicking on cell A1 will result in `$A$1' being entered into the formula, so I don't have to key in the $ after clicking?
Apologies for the circumlocution, I don't know the proper terms for these Excel features.
Best Answer
On Windows, you can press F4 after entering the cell coordinates to automatically toggle between relative and absolute: A1 → $A$1 → A$1 → $A1.
On OS X, the shortcut is Cmd-T.