The difference between absolute and relative lies in the way they describe changes or differences between two values. Here are the key distinctions between the two:
- Absolute: Absolute refers to the actual difference or change between two values. It is expressed as a real number and represents the exact amount of change that has occurred. For example, if a population increases from 10,000 to 12,000, the absolute difference is 2,000.
- Relative: Relative describes the size of the absolute difference as a fraction or percentage of a reference value. It allows us to understand the comparative ratio of two numbers, often expressed as a percentage. For example, if a population increases from 10,000 to 12,000, the relative difference would be (12,000 - 10,000) / 10,000 = 0.2 or 20%.
In summary:
- Absolute difference or change represents the actual real-number difference between two values.
- Relative difference or change describes the size of the absolute difference as a fraction or percentage of a reference value.
- Both absolute and relative changes can be useful in different contexts, depending on the specific situation and what best represents the intended comparison.
Comparative Table: Absolute vs Relative
The main difference between absolute and relative cell references in Excel lies in how they behave when copied or moved to another cell. Here's a table summarizing the differences:
Feature | Absolute References | Relative References |
---|---|---|
Behavior When Copied | Remain constant no matter where they are copied | Change when a formula is copied to another cell |
Symbols | Dollar sign ($) before the column and/or row reference | No dollar sign ($) before the column and/or row reference |
Usage | To refer to the exact same column or row, no matter where you move to | To refer to the same relative position within a column or row as you move |
In Excel, absolute references are designated by adding a dollar sign ($) before the column and/or row reference, such as $A$2. Relative references do not have a dollar sign and change when a formula is copied to another cell. When writing a formula in Excel, you can press the F4 key on your keyboard to switch between relative, absolute, and mixed cell references.
Read more
- Absolute vs Relative
- an Absolute vs a Relative URL
- Relative vs Absolute Dating
- Absolute Error vs Relative Error
- Absolute vs Relative Humidity
- Absolutism vs Relativism
- Absolute vs Relative Configuration in Stereochemistry
- Absolute vs Comparative Advantage
- Absolute vs Relative Refractory Period
- Frequency vs Relative Frequency
- Relative Clause vs Subordinate Clause
- Velocity vs Relative Velocity
- Absolute Cost Advantage vs Comparative Cost Advantage
- Where vs Which in Relative Clauses
- Relative Dating vs Radiometric Dating
- Humidity vs Relative Humidity
- Relativity vs Special Relativity
- Family vs Relatives
- Industrial Alcohol vs Absolute Alcohol
- Absolute vs Apparent Magnitude