As an example here is a simple Tables grid:
The cell C3 contains the formula: = C$2 * $B3
* means multiply in Excel, and although the functions we need to investigate
will often involve more than simple multiplication, the process explained below
is easily applied even when the function itself is complicated.
In the illustration above, C2 is the factor from the top row and B3 is the factor
from the left hand column. The dollar sign, $, used in the C3 formula, ensures
that when the formula is copied from C3 across the whole C3:F6 range the first
factor will continue to be taken from row 1 and the second factor will still
be taken from column A.
Once the correct formula (above) has been entered in C3, the keystrokes for
the copy manoeuvre are:
· select C3 (just click on it)
· choose Copy from the Edit menu
· highlight (click and drag) the C3:F6 range
· choose Paste from the Edit menu
The formula from C3 is copied automatically to all cells in the C3:F6 range.
The formula is adjusted for each new position except where a $ sign was placed
to show that this automatic assistance is unwanted.