What is an absolute cell reference?

An absolute cell reference is characterized by its ability to remain constant, regardless of where the formula is copied or moved within a spreadsheet. This is particularly useful when you want to maintain a fixed reference to a specific cell while performing calculations that may change position.

In most spreadsheet software, an absolute cell reference is indicated by the use of a dollar sign preceding the column letter and row number, such as $A$1. When you copy a formula that contains an absolute cell reference, the reference will always point back to that specific cell ($A$1), ensuring that the data from that cell is used in calculations consistently, no matter where the formula is placed.

In contrast, a relative cell reference adjusts based on the position of the formula, making it unsuitable for situations where a constant reference is required. Options referencing other spreadsheets or limiting a reference to a single cell do not accurately describe the defining features of an absolute cell reference. Thus, the first choice correctly defines what an absolute cell reference is and highlights its unique capability within spreadsheet modeling.