Summary  
This chapter explains how relative, absolute, and mixed cell references work in formulas to create dynamic code that automatically adjusts or locks specific references when copied.  

General domain of usage  
Spreadsheet calculations

Understanding and effectively using **cell references** in Excel is a fundamental part of creating **flexible and dynamic** formulas. 

Cell references can be **relative, absolute, and mixed** and understanding them allows you to build formulas that **update automatically** when your data changes.

- When copying a **relative reference** to another cell it adjusts based on the new cell's position;
- **Absolute references** remain constant regardless of where the formula is copied by using **dollar symbols** (`$`) before **the row and the column** references;
- **Mixed references** combine relative and absolute references, **locking either** the **row** or **column** using the dollar (`$`) symbol.

Workbook

import unittest
import json


def _dynamic_test(test_case, condition, success_message, failure_message):
    if condition:
        test_case._testMethodName = success_message
        test_case.assertTrue(True, success_message)
    else:
        test_case._testMethodName = failure_message
        test_case.fail(failure_message)


class TestUserCode(unittest.TestCase):
    @classmethod
    def setUpClass(cls):
        with open("payload.json") as f:
            data = json.load(f)
        cls.sheet = next(iter(data["sheets"].values()))

    def _cell_value(self, row, col):
        cell = self.sheet.get("cellData", {}).get(str(row), {}).get(str(col))
        if cell is None:
            return None
        v = cell.get("v")
        return v if v is not None else cell.get("f")

    def _check_cell_value(self, row, col, cell_ref, *expected_values):
        actual = self._cell_value(row, col)
        _dynamic_test(
            self,
            actual in expected_values,
            f"{cell_ref} contains the correct formula or result.",
            f"{cell_ref} should contain one of {expected_values!r}, but found {actual!r}."
        )

    # E column: Sales Tax = D * $B$15
    def test_e6_sales_tax_absolute_reference_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(5, 4, "E6", "=D6*$B$15", 62.5391, 62.54)

    def test_e7_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(6, 4, "E7", "=D7*$B$15", 5.271341, 5.27)

    def test_e8_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(7, 4, "E8", "=D8*$B$15", 36.244341, 36.24)

    def test_e9_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(8, 4, "E9", "=D9*$B$15", 19.110341, 19.11)

    def test_e10_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(9, 4, "E10", "=D10*$B$15", 26.359341, 26.36)

    def test_e11_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(10, 4, "E11", "=D11*$B$15", 5.271341, 5.27)

    def test_e12_sales_tax_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(11, 4, "E12", "=D12*$B$15", 9.884341, 9.88)

    # F column: Totals = (D + E) * C
    def test_f7_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(6, 5, "F7", "=(D7+E7)*C7", 1023.136092, 1023.14)

    def test_f8_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(7, 5, "F8", "=(D8+E8)*C8", 3517.406046, 3517.41)

    def test_f9_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(8, 5, "F9", "=(D9+E9)*C9", 1236.401364, 1236.4)

    def test_f10_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(9, 5, "F10", "=(D10+E10)*C10", 3410.794728, 3410.79)

    def test_f11_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(10, 5, "F11", "=(D11+E11)*C11", 1364.181456, 1364.18)

    def test_f12_totals_formula_or_result_is_correct(self):
        self._check_cell_value(11, 5, "F12", "=(D12+E12)*C12", 1119.120387, 1119.12)


if __name__ == "__main__":
    unittest.main()


test_main.py

Dive into the world of Excel with this comprehensive video course, designed to take you from basic navigation to mastering functions and basic data analysis. Starting with foundational skills like data entry and cell formatting, you'll quickly progress to using powerful tools. Whether you're organizing large datasets, performing statistical analysis, or creating dynamic charts, this course equips you with the practical skills needed in today’s data-driven environment.

Kickstart your journey with Excel by understanding its interface, basic functions, and essential data entry techniques. Learn how to navigate toolbars, worksheets, and master the fundamental elements to set a solid foundation.

Dive deeper into Excel by exploring advanced data entry and formatting options. Sharpen your skills in text and number formatting, discover how to effectively use styles, and enhance spreadsheet readability and functionality.

Unleash the power of Excel with an introduction to basic formulas and functions. Gain confidence in creating calculations, using cell references, and employing key functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, and MAX to automate and simplify your data analysis tasks.

In this section, you will master advanced Excel formulas and functions, enhancing your ability to manage complex calculations. Learn to display and audit formulas, utilize nested and logical statements, and apply conditions effectively to streamline your data analysis tasks.

Explore comprehensive techniques for sorting, filtering, and managing data efficiently. This section covers everything from basic data organization to advanced filtering and table management, ensuring you can handle and analyze data effectively.

Dive into the art of data visualization using Excel's powerful charting tools. You'll learn to create various types of charts, customize them to enhance visual appeal, and manipulate data within charts to present clear and compelling visual stories.

Gain proficiency in managing worksheets and workbooks within Excel. This section teaches you how to effectively organize and manipulate workbook elements, utilize formatting tools, and secure your work with passwords, providing a thorough grounding in workbook operations.

Working with Excel Cell References

Key Points

Solution