How to Multiply Two WPS Spreadsheets Cells and Add a Percentage from a Fixed Cell
Question details
The user needs to multiply two cells, H14 and F14, add a percentage from C14, and keep C14 fixed when copying the formula down in WPS Spreadsheets.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Building a spreadsheet formula that combines H14*F14 with a percentage stored in C14 and then copying it down multiple rows.
- Observed behavior
- Relative references change C14 to C15, C16, and so on, so the formula does not keep using the intended fixed percentage cell unless C14 is locked with $C$14.
Check that C14 contains the intended percentage value and that it is formatted as Percentage if it should display as 45% rather than 0.45.
Use an absolute reference to add a percentage increase to the product
Use this method when C14 is a percentage increase, such as 45%, that should be applied to H14*F14 and remain fixed when the formula is copied down.
In WPS Spreadsheets, dollar signs lock the column and row so the reference does not adjust during fill. The formula =H14*F14*(1+$C$14) multiplies the product by 1 plus the percentage in C14.
Click the cell where you want the result, for example G14, and type the formula =H14*F14*(1+$C$14).
Press Enter to calculate the result. If C14 contains 45%, the product of H14 and F14 is increased by 45%.
Use the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of the cell and drag down, or press Ctrl+C and paste into the target cells. H14 and F14 update to H15 and F15, while $C$14 stays fixed.
Add the percentage value itself instead of applying a percentage increase
Use this method when C14 contains a percentage value that should be added directly to H14*F14, not used as a percentage increase.
Fix fixed-cell percentage formulas in WPS Spreadsheets
Create and copy formulas with absolute references in WPS Spreadsheets to keep C14 fixed while multiplying H14 and F14 and adding a percentage.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open the workbook that contains H14, F14, and C14.
- 2. Enter the formula: Click the target cell and type =H14*F14*(1+$C$14) or =H14*F14+$C$14 based on your calculation.
- 3. Lock the percentage cell: Use $C$14 for the percentage cell so the reference does not change when copying.
- 4. Copy the formula down: Drag the fill handle down or copy the formula to the rows below to update H14 and F14 while keeping C14 fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does $C$14 do in the formula?
The dollar signs lock both column C and row 14, so copying the formula down or across keeps using C14 instead of changing to C15, D14, or other cells.
Should I use =H14*F14+$C$14 or =H14*F14*(1+$C$14)?
Use +$C$14 when you want to add the value in C14 itself. Use *(1+$C$14) when C14 is a percentage increase to be applied to the product H14*F14.
How do I quickly make C14 absolute while editing the formula?
Select C14 in the formula and press F4 once to turn it into $C$14 on Windows. On some versions or macOS, use the supported absolute reference shortcut or type the dollar signs manually.
Why does 45% calculate as 0.45 in the formula?
Percentage formatting in WPS Spreadsheets displays the underlying decimal 0.45 as 45%. Formulas use the stored decimal value, so multiplication and addition use 0.45.
