Question

What is the basis of using a relative address?

Answer 1

• Relative Distance (Offset): Excel does not look at the exact cell name; it looks at the distance from the formula cell (e.g., “look one cell to the left”).
• Automatic Shifting: References shift automatically in the direction you drag or copy the formula (rows change downward, columns change sideways).
• Row Independence: It assumes each row is a separate, independent transaction that needs its own calculation (like Price × Quantity for different items).
• Default Setup: It is the built-in, standard behaviour of Excel that requires no special symbols ($) or extra setup to work.