There are two ways to create a mixed cell reference in Excel:

1. Manually entering the dollar sign ($):

* Click on the cell where you want to enter the formula.
* Start typing your formula with the equal sign (=).
* Click on the cell you want to reference for the part that should remain constant (either the row or column).
* Press F4 on your keyboard. This cycles through different reference types (relative, absolute, mixed).
* Repeat F4 until the dollar sign ($) appears in front of the row OR column you want to lock, depending on what you want to remain constant.
* Complete your formula by selecting or typing the remaining cell references.

2. Using the mouse to select:

* Click on the cell where you want to enter the formula.
* Start typing your formula with the equal sign (=).
* Click on the cell you want to reference for the part that should remain constant.
* Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard.
* Click on the cell you want to reference for the variable part of the formula.
* Release the Ctrl key.

Example 1: Locking the Column

* You want to multiply the value in cell B2 by the values in cells A3:A10.
* In cell C2, enter the formula: `=B2*$A3`
* Press F4 on your keyboard once to change the reference of cell A3 to a mixed reference. Now the formula will be: `=B2*$A$3` (locking the column A).
* As you copy this formula down to cells C3:C10, the row reference will automatically adjust (A4, A5, etc.), while the column reference (B) remains constant due to the dollar sign.

Example 2: Locking the Row

* You want to add the value in cell A1 to the values in B2:B10.
* In cell C2, enter the formula: `=A1+B2`
* Press F4 on your keyboard twice to change the reference of cell A1 to a mixed reference. Now the formula will be: `=$A1+B2` (locking the row 1).
* As you copy this formula down to cells C3:C10, the column reference will automatically adjust (C3, C4, etc.), while the row reference (1) remains constant due to the dollar sign.