This sets the row or column reference to Absolute. In a nutshell, when you
copy that formula, let's say down a row, the original cell will have:

=IF(N29=$F$3,Q29,0)

The new cell will have the formula:

=IF(N30=$F$3,Q30,0)

Note the difference? The non-$'d cell references have thier rows increased
as you copy down (decreased if you copy up). If you copied it to the right
(up a letter) then the N becomes O and Q becomes R but the $F stays as $F.

"Antonia" wrote:

Hi,

I wondered if someone could explain what the $ sign means in a formula.
I've inherited a spreadsheet with lots of them appearing all over the place
but I can't work out how to break down the formule; here's an example:

=IF(N29=$F$3,Q29,0)

Many thanks,