How do I extend a formula where one component refers to the same cell while the other component changes?

Question

I want to automatically extend a simple formula like this one across a number of rows:

B20=B19+B17

B21=B20+B17

B22=B21+B17

Excel doesn't want to do it. It keeps changing both variables. I want B17 to be constant. How do I get Excel to accept this command?

Answer 1

Hello, Laurence Hauben.

Insert the "$" sign into the formulas like this:

B20=B19+$B$17

B21=B20+$B$17

B22=B21+$B$17

Next, select all three cells and drag them for auto-completion.

Answer 2

Try to use this formula in B20: =B19+$B$17.