Final answer:
Cell references in spreadsheets come in four types: relative (e.g., A1), absolute (e.g., $A$1), mixed (e.g., $A1 or A$1), and 3D references (e.g., Sheet1:Sheet3!A1), each with their specific uses from filling formulas across cells to referring to the same cell across multiple sheets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The types of cell references in spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel are relative, absolute, mixed, and 3D references. Each has specific notation and use-cases.
- Relative Reference: This type changes when you copy it to another cell. An example would be A1. If you copy this formula down one row, it changes to A2. It's used when you want to apply the same formula across a range of cells while adjusting the cell references automatically.
- Absolute Reference: It remains constant, no matter where it's copied. The notation for an absolute reference is $A$1. It's used when referring to a constant value or a cell that should not change across multiple formulas.
- Mixed Reference: Combines relative and absolute references. For instance, $A1 or A$1. Its use is practical when you want to fix either the row or the column. For example, when creating a multiplication table, where you want to fix the header row or column.
- 3D Reference: Refers to the same cell or range on multiple worksheets. An example notation would be Sheet1:Sheet3!A1, which references cell A1 on Sheets 1 through 3. This is useful for summarizing the same data structured identically across multiple sheets, like monthly sheets in a yearly report.