Absolute Reference Shortcut in Excel for Mac: The $ Key (⌘T and F4)
The dollar sign in a formula, as in $B$2, locks a reference so it does not move when you copy the formula. Typing the $ by hand is slow, which is why Windows users press F4. On a Mac, F4 can behave differently, so many people end up typing dollar signs one by one. This guide shows the Mac shortcut for absolute references, how the four reference types cycle, and when to use each one.
Quick answer: In Excel for Mac, click inside a cell reference while editing a formula and press ⌘T (or F4, which usually needs Fn+F4 on a MacBook). Each press cycles the reference through $A$1 (absolute), A$1 (row locked), $A1 (column locked) and A1 (relative). Microsoft lists both ⌘T and F4 for toggling references on Mac. If you also want the Windows Alt sequences, the Mac Excel Shortcuts app adds them to Excel for Mac.
The shortcut for $ on a Mac
The Mac shortcut to toggle absolute and relative references is ⌘T. F4 also works. Because many MacBooks use the top row for brightness and volume, F4 usually needs Fn, so Fn+F4. ⌘T avoids the issue. Our guide to why F4 doesn't work in Excel on Mac explains the Fn setting in detail.
To use it:
Select the cell with the formula and press F2 (or Control+U) to edit it, or click in the formula bar.
Place the cursor in, or right after, the reference you want to change.
Press ⌘T (or F4) until you get the one you want.
Press Return to commit.
How the four reference types cycle
| Press count | Reference | What is locked |
|---|---|---|
| Start | A1 | Nothing (relative) |
| 1st press | $A$1 | Column and row (absolute) |
| 2nd press | A$1 | Row only (mixed) |
| 3rd press | $A1 | Column only (mixed) |
| 4th press | A1 | Back to relative |
The cycle repeats, so keep pressing until you see the form you need.
When to use each type
Absolute ($A$1). Use for a single input that every copy of the formula should read, such as a tax rate, an exchange rate or a target. For example, if the VAT rate sits in B1, write =A5*$B$1 and copy it down.
Mixed ($A1 or A$1). Use when you copy across a two-way table and want one direction to stay fixed. In a multiplication table with headings across row 1 and down column A, the formula =$A2*B$1 works anywhere you copy it.
Relative (A1). The default. Use when each copy should shift with its row or column, as in a running total.
A worked example
You have unit prices in column B and a discount rate in D1. In C2, you want price after discount.
Click C2 and type =B2*(1-D1).
Press F2 to edit, place the cursor next to D1, and press ⌘T once. It becomes $D$1.
Press Return, then copy C2 down the column. Every row now uses the same discount in D1.
Without the lock, the reference would slide to D2, D3 and so on, returning zeros or wrong numbers.
F4 on Mac does two jobs
In Excel for Mac, F4 does two things depending on what you are doing:
While editing a formula with the cursor in a reference, it cycles the reference type.
When you are not editing, it repeats your last action, such as a fill colour or an inserted row.
⌘T only cycles references, so there is no ambiguity. That is another reason to prefer it on a laptop.
Type the dollar sign manually
You can always type $ yourself with Shift+4 on a US keyboard. For a long formula with many references, selecting the whole formula and pressing ⌘T repeatedly can be quicker, but it changes every reference in the selection, so check the result. If your keyboard layout puts $ somewhere else, use the shortcut instead of hunting for the key.
Common mistakes
Pressing F4 and seeing nothing. Add Fn, or use ⌘T.
Cursor not in the reference. The shortcut changes the reference your cursor is in or next to. Click into it first.
Locking too much. $A$1 everywhere stops formulas from adjusting. Use mixed references for tables.
Cycling past the one you want. Keep pressing until it cycles back round.
If you are coming from Windows
On Windows, F4 does this job and Alt sequences do the rest. On a Mac, ⌘T is the cleaner choice. The Mac Excel shortcut cheat sheet lists the Mac equivalents of the Windows shortcuts side by side, and Mac Excel Shortcuts lets you type Windows-style Alt sequences if you want your old habits back.
FAQs
What is the shortcut for absolute reference in Excel on Mac?
⌘T, or F4 (Fn+F4 on most MacBooks). Both cycle the reference between absolute, mixed and relative forms.
What is the F4 equivalent in Excel for Mac?
F4 itself works, but it usually needs the Fn key. ⌘T does the same thing for references and does not depend on the Fn setting.
How do I type the $ sign in an Excel formula on a Mac?
Press Shift+4 on a US keyboard, or use ⌘T to add the dollar signs for you.
Why does F4 repeat my last action instead of locking the reference?
Because the cell is not in edit mode with the cursor in a reference. Press F2 first, place the cursor in the reference, then press ⌘T or F4.
What is the difference between $A$1, A$1 and $A1?
$A$1 locks both column and row. A$1 locks only the row. $A1 locks only the column.
Related guides
F4 in Excel for Mac: Absolute References (Cmd+T) and Repeating Your Last Action
Function Keys in Excel for Mac: The Fn Setting and the F-Key Shortcuts