How do I move data without changing an associated formula?

[Guest]

I have created an Excel worksheet which I update with new values each day
(golf scores). I keep the last 10 scores but want an average of the last 5
scores. How can I move the data one column to the left and not change the
averaging formula so that when I post the new score it still uses the
original formula (sum of G5 to K5 devided by 5).

 

[Karl Burrows]

If you put a "$" before any cell reference, it will "freeze" the formula
value. So, if your formula references cell G5, you can use $G5 to freeze
the column or G$5 to freeze the row or $G$5 to freeze the entire cell
reference.

I have created an Excel worksheet which I update with new values each day
(golf scores). I keep the last 10 scores but want an average of the last 5
scores. How can I move the data one column to the left and not change the
averaging formula so that when I post the new score it still uses the
original formula (sum of G5 to K5 devided by 5).

 

[Jim Rech]

I would suggest that you not move (cut/paste) the data since the formulas
will follow it regardless if whether the formulas are absolute or relative.
I'd do a copy/paste and then clear the last column K for the new entries.

You can also use a formula that indirectly references the range to the left
so that it does not adjust when you cut/paste. For instance this formula
when placed in cell I8: =SUM(OFFSET(I8,0,-3,1,3))

--
Jim
|I have created an Excel worksheet which I update with new values each day
| (golf scores). I keep the last 10 scores but want an average of the last
5
| scores. How can I move the data one column to the left and not change the
| averaging formula so that when I post the new score it still uses the
| original formula (sum of G5 to K5 devided by 5).

 

[Guest]

Thanks. The copy/paste does what I wanted. I should have thought of it. As
you said, I had already tried the absolute values, but they moved also moved
with the cut/paste.

Al N