not sure what you mean, but yes, this will always reference a1, no matter
which column it is copied to or if you insert a column between a and b. try
it and see if it works or doesn't work and give us an example of what didn't
work.

the $ preceding the "A" will tell excel to always reference that column and
the $ before the 1 will tell excel to always reference that row.

you can keep absolute references to row, columns or both depending where you
put the $.


--


Gary


"Ernesto" wrote in message
oups.com...
thanks for the quick reply...

but the issue with this worksheet is that the number of columns going
across the right will vary from worksheet to worksheet...and i would
have to copy and paste that formula...and i'm assuming it will still
refernce that absolute...

example:
worksheet contains five columns of data. i've inserted a column
inbetween each. soo now we are at ten columns. but i want to enter that
formula..saying that the first cell of each coumn is the absolute and
the rest of the relative. how could i do that and still be able to copy
and paste that to each of the other columns?