Microsoft KB Archive/212064

= XL: F4 Key Does Not Change Cell Formula Reference As Expected =

Article ID: 212064

Article Last Modified on 1/24/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2002 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Excel 97 Standard Edition

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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)

