How do I change the sheet a formula refers automatically?

Here's what I want to do.

I need to be able to create the initial formula, then have it retain relative reference. So for example, the initial formula on sheet 2 looks like this "=sheet1!L16"

On sheet 3 I want it to pull data from L16 on sheet 2. While I could simply write this as a single formula "=sheet2!L16" Writing this 30 times for one formula seems redundent to say the least. How can I get this to change automatically?

Another way to put what I want to do. . . . How do I get it to pull a value from the immediatly preceding worksheet within the same workbook?

Thanks in advance for all your help.



OH, Details: I am working with Excel 2000. This particular workbook has 30 worksheets. I am a relative newb so step by step directions would be great. I can copy and paste lines of code if need be.