If you do not use the $ sign to lock the cell containing the overhead value, your formulas will break as you copy them down the column. However, if you drag a formula created in a table cell outside of that table range, Excel will adjust the reference.
Excel $ Sign Best Practices for Absolute and Relative References
If you have a formula in cell C1 that calculates B1 * 2 and you drag it down to C2, the formula automatically adjusts to B2 * 2. A relative reference, such as B2, is flexible and dynamic.
Advanced Usage in Functions. A $B$1 is an absolute reference, meaning both the column and row are fixed.
Excel $ Sign Best Practices for Absolute References and Formulas
Without the $ sign, the reference to the tax rate would shift down with every row, resulting in incorrect calculations. Impact on Table Formulas and Structured References While the $ sign is essential for standard cell references, its behavior changes slightly when dealing with Excel Tables.
More About What does the $ mean in excel
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