COMPUTER Science: Cell Reference
COMPUTER Science: Cell Reference
Cell Reference
An Excel cell reference, also known as a cell address, is a mechanism that defines a cell on
a worksheet by combining a column letter and a row number. We can refer to any cell (in
Excel formulas) in the worksheet by using the cell references.
Here the cell in column B & row 3 refer as B3.
• Relative Cell Reference : In Excel, a relative cell reference is used by default. Excel uses a relative reference when-
ever we insert a cell reference or a range within a formula. The relative references, which commonly reflect the
combination of column name and row number, are used normally with the associated cell references. There is no
dollar ($) sign in the relative reference for the cell.
Example : If the formula = C2 / A2 from the cell “E2” to “E3” is copied, the formula in E3 will automatically be-
come =C3/A3.
• Absolute Cell Reference : When copying or using AutoFill, there are times when the cell reference must stay the
same. A column and/or row reference is kept constant using dollar signs. So, to get an absolute reference from a
relative, we can use the dollar sign ($) characters. To refer to an actual fixed location on a worksheet whenever
copying is done, we use absolute reference. The reference here is locked such that rows and columns do not shift
when copied.
Example : When we fix both row & column – Say if we want to lock row 2 & column A, we will use $A$2 as:
G2 = C2/$A$2, when copied to G3, G3 becomes = C3/$A$2
Note: C3 is 4 columns left to G3 in the same row.
Here, original cell reference A2 is maintained whenever we copy G2 to any of the cells. So I3 = E3/$A$2 because E3
comes from the relative reference (4 columns left to the current one) & /$A$2 comes from the absolute reference.
i.e. I3 = E3//$A$2 = 12/10 = 1.2
What Does the Dollar ($) Sign Do?
When the row and column numbers are preceded by the dollar symbol ($), it becomes absolute (i.e., stops the row and
column number from changing when copied to other cells). Dollar ($) before the row fixes the row & before the col-
umn fixes the column.
When to Use Absolute Cell References in Excel?
When you don’t want the cell reference to alter when you replicate formulas, absolute cell references come in handy.
This can be the situation if you have to use a fixed value in the formula.
• Mixed Cell Reference : An absolute column and relative row, or an absolute row and relative column, is a mixed
cell reference. You get an absolute column or absolute row when you individually put the $ before the column
letter or before the row number. Example: $B8 is relative to row 8 but absolute for column B, and B$8 is absolute
for row 1 but relative for column A.
Here, the Dollar ($) before the row number fixes/locks the row & before the column name fixes/locks the column.
Example : When the only row is fixed : If G2 = C2/A$2 then :
The $ is used before the row number, only row locked here. When G2 is copied to G3, G3 = C3/A$2 (not C3/A3)
because the row has been fixed already.
Here, whenever G2 is copied to any other cell, always the divisor will refer to a fixed row 2 (column vary according to
the concept of relative reference)
So, when G2 is copied to I3, I3 = E3/C$2 because E3 comes from the relative refer ence (4 columns left to the
current one) & C$2 comes from the absolute reference for row & relative reference for Column (6 Columns left to the
current one)
Writing formula in Excel :
• Select a cell.
• Type the equal sign =.
• Type or select a cell, or type in a function, like any formula or SUM.
• Enter an operator, like minus -, or select the cells or range that are part of the function.
• Press Enter for the result. The result shows in the cell, but you can always see the formula in the Formula bar.
Formulas in Excel
SUM : The SUM function in Excel is a widely used formula that adds up a
range of cells or numbers. It can be used to calculate the total value of a col-
umn, row, or selection of cells. Type =SUM in a cell, followed by an opening pa-
renthesis (. To enter the first formula range, which is called an argument (a piece of
data the formula needs to run), type A2:A4 (or select cell A2 and drag through cell
A6). Type a comma (,) to separate the first argument from the next.
Count : The COUNT function in Excel is used to count the number of cells within a
specified range that meet a certain condition.
=COUNT(A1:A10). In this example, if six of the cells in the range contain numbers, the result
is 6
The MAX and MIN functions in Excel are used to return the highest or lowest value in a range of cells. The syntax for
these functions is:
Steps to sort in Excel : Select the range of cells , go to the "Data" tab, and click on "Sort & Filter". Then,
choose the column you want to sort by and select the type of sort to apply. "Sort by" feature also can
used to sort data in ascending or descending order.
Filter : The FILTER function allows to filter a range of data based on defined criteria. To apply a filter in Excel, follow
these steps:
• Select the data range you want to filter by clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells.
• Go to the "Data" tab in the ribbon.
• Click the "Filter" button in the "Data Tools" group.
• Select the dropdown arrow at the top of each column to apply filters to specific columns.
• Click the filters you want to apply, such as "Equal to," "Greater than," or "Contains."
• Use the filter options to narrow down your data to the desired results.
Formatting charts : After inserting Chart, the next step is to format it according to data specification to make it look
visually appealing. After insert the chart in excel worksheet, two extra tab named as Chart tools, which contains vari-
ous different tabs such as:
1. Design Tab : This tab has ready-made formats for Chart Layouts and Chart Styles - different options and their im-
pact on the chart by scrolling over the different options are appeared here. User can also select different chart
types or change the data for a chart/graph.
2. Layout Tab : This tab is used to add/remove/edit chart titles, data labels, and Axis titles. We can also insert shapes, pictures
in a chart. Another important use of this tab is 'Trendline'.
1. What is Cyber Security?
Definition:
Cyber security involves protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. It en-
sures that our personal information and digital assets are safe from cyber threats.
Why It Matters:
With increasing reliance on technology for communication, learning, and entertainment, understanding cyber security is essen-
tial to prevent issues like identity theft, data breaches, and online harassment.
2. Common Cyber Threats
1. Phishing:
Description: A deceptive attempt to obtain sensitive information (like usernames, passwords, and credit card details) by
pretending to be a trustworthy source.
Example: You receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank, asking you to verify your account information.
Malware:
Description: Malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device or network. It can include viruses,
worms, and spyware.
Example: Downloading an app that secretly installs harmful software on your device.
Social Engineering:
Description: Techniques used to manipulate people into giving up confidential information. This can include impersonating
someone trustworthy.
Example: A caller pretends to be a tech support agent asking for your password
to fix a problem.
4. Cyber/Digital Arrest : The newest form of cyber scam is digital arrest,
where people are asked to stay on video calls for hours till they transfer
all their money. But, there is nothing called digital arrests in law. Digital
arrests is a word scammers use in cyber frauds and scams. The “Digital
Arrest” scam involves fraudsters who pose as officials from various or-
ganisations, including government agencies and law enforcement, to
intimidate and defraud individuals. The scam typically begins with a vid-
eo call where the scammers falsely accuse the victim of involvement in
illegal activities.