Excel 2007 Experts: Can't copy formula down rows (formulas, how to, work)

[truckzter]

So I'm really just a novice creating a gradebook from scratch. I'm editing my gradebook (create in Excel 03) in my new Excel 07. I used to be able to copy and paste one formula down the rows, and the numbers would adjust, but now I can't. And I know there is a simpler way than changing E21 to E22 to E23, etc. This is my formula:

=$B$51*B78+$C$51*C78+$D$51*D78+$E$51*E78 (it continues on until Q, but you get the idea).

In old Excel I was able to copy the formula straight down the column, and $B$51 would change to $C$52 to $D$51 ... even when I got rid of the $, the formula wouldn't change per row.

I don't even know if I am adequately explaining myself ... I really don't know how to do any of this stuff ..


What am I doing wrong?

[Tek_Freek]

Been a while, but I think that if you highlight it then place the cursor in the lower right corner of the originating cell until it turns into a black plus sign (note the lower right corner has a small black square in it) then drag down the column it will do what you want.

No guarantees, though!

OK, just did it in Excel 2003 and it worked.

[Bo]

The $ signs in the formulas indicate Absolute Reference to specific cells. When you delete the $ and copy the formula, the copied formulas (formulae? ) will point to different cells than the original formula, which may be breaking the formula for you. I suspect that the problem you are having is related to reference. Take a look at the help files for "absolute reference" and adjust your formulas accordingly before copying.

[truckzter]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

Been a while, but I think that if you highlight it then place the cursor in the lower right corner of the originating cell until it turns into a black plus sign (note the lower right corner has a small black square in it) then drag down the column it will do what you want.

No guarantees, though!

OK, just did it in Excel 2003 and it worked.

Thanks! I just did it, and I had to choose "copy cells" and it worked! Thanks very much .. I was getting really stressed and losing sleep because I couldn't figure it out .. and I found nothing on Google.

Thanks again!