Select cell shortcut excel

Many users find that using an external keyboard with keyboard shortcuts for Excel helps them work more efficiently. For users with mobility or vision disabilities, keyboard shortcuts can be easier than using the touchscreen and are an essential alternative to using a mouse. 

Notes: 

  • The shortcuts in this topic refer to the US keyboard layout. Keys for other layouts might not correspond exactly to the keys on a US keyboard.

  • A plus sign (+) in a shortcut means that you need to press multiple keys at the same time.

  • A comma sign (,) in a shortcut means that you need to press multiple keys in order.

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts, function keys, and some other common shortcut keys in Excel for Windows.

Notes: 

  • To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use the Search. Press Ctrl+F, and then type your search words.

  • If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can record a macro to create one. For instructions, go to Automate tasks with the Macro Recorder.

  • Download our 50 time-saving Excel shortcuts quick tips guide.

  • Get the Excel 2016 keyboard shortcuts in a Word document: Excel keyboard shortcuts and function keys.

In this topic

  • Frequently used shortcuts

  • Ribbon keyboard shortcuts

    • Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs

    • Work in the ribbon with the keyboard

  • Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells

  • Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells

    • Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel 2013

  • Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions

  • Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar

  • Keyboard shortcuts for refreshing external data

  • Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts

  • Function keys

  • Other useful shortcut keys

Frequently used shortcuts

This table lists the most frequently used shortcuts in Excel.

To do this

Press

Close a workbook.

Ctrl+W

Open a workbook.

Ctrl+O

Go to the Home tab.

Alt+H

Save a workbook.

Ctrl+S

Copy selection.

Ctrl+C

Paste selection.

Ctrl+V

Undo recent action.

Ctrl+Z

Remove cell contents.

Delete

Choose a fill color.

Alt+H, H

Cut selection.

Ctrl+X

Go to the Insert tab.

Alt+N

Apply bold formatting.

Ctrl+B

Center align cell contents.

Alt+H, A, C

Go to the Page Layout tab.

Alt+P

Go to the Data tab.

Alt+A

Go to the View tab.

Alt+W

Open the context menu.

Shift+F10 or

Windows Menu key

Add borders.

Alt+H, B

Delete column.

Alt+H, D, C

Go to the Formula tab.

Alt+M

Hide the selected rows.

Ctrl+9

Hide the selected columns.

Ctrl+0

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Ribbon keyboard shortcuts

The ribbon groups related options on tabs. For example, on the Home tab, the Number group includes the Number Format option. Press the Alt key to display the ribbon shortcuts, called Key Tips, as letters in small images next to the tabs and options as shown in the image below.

Excel ribbon key tips.

You can combine the Key Tips letters with the Alt key to make shortcuts called Access Keys for the ribbon options. For example, press Alt+H to open the Home tab, and Alt+Q to move to the Tell me or Search field. Press Alt again to see KeyTips for the options for the selected tab.

Depending on the version of Microsoft 365 you are using, the Search text field at the top of the app window might be called Tell Me instead. Both offer a largely similar experience, but some options and search results can vary.

In Office 2013 and Office 2010, most of the old Alt key menu shortcuts still work, too. However, you need to know the full shortcut. For example, press Alt, and then press one of the old menu keys, for example, E (Edit), V (View), I (Insert), and so on. A notification pops up saying you’re using an access key from an earlier version of Microsoft 365. If you know the entire key sequence, go ahead, and use it. If you don’t know the sequence, press Esc and use Key Tips instead.

Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs

To go directly to a tab on the ribbon, press one of the following access keys. Additional tabs might appear depending on your selection in the worksheet.

To do this

Press

Move to the Tell me or Search field on the ribbon and type a search term for assistance or Help content.

Alt+Q, then enter the search term.

Open the File menu.

Alt+F

Open the Home tab and format text and numbers and use the Find tool.

Alt+H

Open the Insert tab and insert PivotTables, charts, add-ins, Sparklines, pictures, shapes, headers, or text boxes.

Alt+N

Open the Page Layout tab and work with themes, page setup, scale, and alignment.

Alt+P

Open the Formulas tab and insert, trace, and customize functions and calculations.

Alt+M

Open the Data tab and connect to, sort, filter, analyze, and work with data.

Alt+A

Open the Review tab and check spelling, add notes and threaded comments, and protect sheets and workbooks.

Alt+R

Open the View tab and preview page breaks and layouts, show and hide gridlines and headings, set zoom magnification, manage windows and panes, and view macros.

Alt+W

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Work in the ribbon with the keyboard

To do this

Press

Select the active tab on the ribbon and activate the access keys.

Alt or F10. To move to a different tab, use access keys or the arrow keys.

Move the focus to commands on the ribbon.

Tab key or Shift+Tab

Move down, up, left, or right, respectively, among the items on the ribbon.

Arrow keys

Show the tooltip for the ribbon element currently in focus.

Ctrl+Shift+F10

Activate a selected button.

Spacebar or Enter

Open the list for a selected command.

Down arrow key

Open the menu for a selected button.

Alt+Down arrow key

When a menu or submenu is open, move to the next command.

Down arrow key

Expand or collapse the ribbon.

Ctrl+F1

Open a context menu.

Shift+F10

Or, on a Windows keyboard, the Windows Menu key (usually between the Alt Gr and right Ctrl keys)

Move to the submenu when a main menu is open or selected.

Left arrow key

Move from one group of controls to another.

Ctrl+Left or Right arrow key

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Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells

To do this

Press

Move to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option in a dialog box.

Shift+Tab

Move one cell up in a worksheet.

Up arrow key

Move one cell down in a worksheet.

Down arrow key

Move one cell left in a worksheet.

Left arrow key

Move one cell right in a worksheet.

Right arrow key

Move to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet.

Ctrl+Arrow key

Enter the End mode, move to the next nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, and turn off End mode. If the cells are blank, move to the last cell in the row or column.

End, Arrow key

Move to the last cell on a worksheet, to the lowest used row of the rightmost used column.

Ctrl+End

Extend the selection of cells to the last used cell on the worksheet (lower-right corner).

Ctrl+Shift+End

Move to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when Scroll lock is turned on.

Home+Scroll lock

Move to the beginning of a worksheet.

Ctrl+Home

Move one screen down in a worksheet.

Page down

Move to the next sheet in a workbook.

Ctrl+Page down

Move one screen to the right in a worksheet.

Alt+Page down

Move one screen up in a worksheet.

Page up

Move one screen to the left in a worksheet.

Alt+Page up

Move to the previous sheet in a workbook.

Ctrl+Page up

Move one cell to the right in a worksheet. Or, in a protected worksheet, move between unlocked cells.

Tab key

Open the list of validation choices on a cell that has data validation option applied to it.

Alt+Down arrow key

Cycle through floating shapes, such as text boxes or images.

Ctrl+Alt+5, then the Tab key repeatedly

Exit the floating shape navigation and return to the normal navigation.

Esc

Scroll horizontally.

Ctrl+Shift, then scroll your mouse wheel up to go left, down to go right

Zoom in.

Ctrl+Alt+Equal sign ( = )

 Zoom out.

Ctrl+Alt+Minus sign (-)

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Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells

To do this

Press

Open the Format Cells dialog box.

Ctrl+1

Format fonts in the Format Cells dialog box.

Ctrl+Shift+F or Ctrl+Shift+P

Edit the active cell and put the insertion point at the end of its contents. Or, if editing is turned off for the cell, move the insertion point into the formula bar. If editing a formula, toggle Point mode off or on so you can use the arrow keys to create a reference.

F2

Insert a note.

Open and edit a cell note.

Shift+F2

Shift+F2

Insert a threaded comment.

Open and reply to a threaded comment.

Ctrl+Shift+F2

Ctrl+Shift+F2

Open the Insert dialog box to insert blank cells.

Ctrl+Shift+Plus sign (+)

Open the Delete dialog box to delete selected cells.

Ctrl+Minus sign (-)

Enter the current time.

Ctrl+Shift+Colon (:)

Enter the current date.

Ctrl+Semicolon (;)

Switch between displaying cell values or formulas in the worksheet.

Ctrl+Grave accent (`)

Copy a formula from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the formula bar.

Ctrl+Apostrophe (‘)

Move the selected cells.

Ctrl+X

Copy the selected cells.

Ctrl+C

Paste content at the insertion point, replacing any selection.

Ctrl+V

Open the Paste Special dialog box.

Ctrl+Alt+V

Italicize text or remove italic formatting.

Ctrl+I or Ctrl+3

Bold text or remove bold formatting.

Ctrl+B or Ctrl+2

Underline text or remove underline.

Ctrl+U or Ctrl+4

Apply or remove strikethrough formatting.

Ctrl+5

Switch between hiding objects, displaying objects, and displaying placeholders for objects.

Ctrl+6

Apply an outline border to the selected cells.

Ctrl+Shift+Ampersand sign (&)

Remove the outline border from the selected cells.

Ctrl+Shift+Underscore (_)

Display or hide the outline symbols.

Ctrl+8

Use the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below.

Ctrl+D

Apply the General number format.

Ctrl+Shift+Tilde sign (~)

Apply the Currency format with two decimal places (negative numbers in parentheses).

Ctrl+Shift+Dollar sign ($)

Apply the Percentage format with no decimal places.

Ctrl+Shift+Percent sign (%)

Apply the Scientific number format with two decimal places.

Ctrl+Shift+Caret sign (^)

Apply the Date format with the day, month, and year.

Ctrl+Shift+Number sign (#)

Apply the Time format with the hour and minute, and AM or PM.

Ctrl+Shift+At sign (@)

Apply the Number format with two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values.

Ctrl+Shift+Exclamation point (!)

Open the Insert hyperlink dialog box.

Ctrl+K

Check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range.

F7

Display the Quick Analysis options for selected cells that contain data.

Ctrl+Q

Display the Create Table dialog box.

Ctrl+L or Ctrl+T

Open the Workbook Statistics dialog box.

Ctrl+Shift+G

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Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel 2013

In Excel 2013, you can paste a specific aspect of the copied data like its formatting or value using the Paste Special options. After you’ve copied the data, press Ctrl+Alt+V, or Alt+E+S to open the Paste Special dialog box.

Paste Special dialog box.

Tip: You can also select Home > Paste > Paste Special.

To pick an option in the dialog box, press the underlined letter for that option. For example, press the letter C to pick the Comments option.

To do this

Press

Paste all cell contents and formatting.

A

Paste only the formulas as entered in the formula bar.

F

Paste only the values (not the formulas).

V

Paste only the copied formatting.

T

Paste only comments and notes attached to the cell.

C

Paste only the data validation settings from copied cells.

N

Paste all cell contents and formatting from copied cells.

H

Paste all cell contents without borders.

X

Paste only column widths from copied cells.

W

Paste only formulas and number formats from copied cells.

R

Paste only the values (not formulas) and number formats from copied cells.

U

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Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions

To do this

Press

Select the entire worksheet.

Ctrl+A or Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar

Select the current and next sheet in a workbook.

Ctrl+Shift+Page down

Select the current and previous sheet in a workbook.

Ctrl+Shift+Page up

Extend the selection of cells by one cell.

Shift+Arrow key

Extend the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, to the next nonblank cell.

Ctrl+Shift+Arrow key

Turn extend mode on and use the arrow keys to extend a selection. Press again to turn off.

F8

Add a non-adjacent cell or range to a selection of cells by using the arrow keys.

Shift+F8

Start a new line in the same cell.

Alt+Enter

Fill the selected cell range with the current entry.

Ctrl+Enter

Complete a cell entry and select the cell above.

Shift+Enter

Select an entire column in a worksheet.

Ctrl+Spacebar

Select an entire row in a worksheet.

Shift+Spacebar

Select all objects on a worksheet when an object is selected.

Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar

Extend the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet.

Ctrl+Shift+Home

Select the current region if the worksheet contains data. Press a second time to select the current region and its summary rows. Press a third time to select the entire worksheet.

Ctrl+A or Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar

Select the current region around the active cell.

Ctrl+Shift+Asterisk sign (*)

Select the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.

Home

Repeat the last command or action, if possible.

Ctrl+Y

Undo the last action.

Ctrl+Z

Expand grouped rows or columns.

While hovering over the collapsed items, press and hold the Shift key and scroll down.

Collapse grouped rows or columns.

While hovering over the expanded items, press and hold the Shift key and scroll up.

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Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar

To do this

Press

Turn on or off tooltips for checking formulas directly in the formula bar or in the cell you’re editing.

Ctrl+Alt+P

Edit the active cell and put the insertion point at the end of its contents. Or, if editing is turned off for the cell, move the insertion point into the formula bar. If editing a formula, toggle Point mode off or on so you can use the arrow keys to create a reference.

F2

Expand or collapse the formula bar.

Ctrl+Shift+U

Cancel an entry in the cell or formula bar.

Esc

Complete an entry in the formula bar and select the cell below.

Enter

Move the cursor to the end of the text when in the formula bar.

Ctrl+End

Select all text in the formula bar from the cursor position to the end.

Ctrl+Shift+End

Calculate all worksheets in all open workbooks.

F9

Calculate the active worksheet.

Shift+F9

Calculate all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation.

Ctrl+Alt+F9

Check dependent formulas, and then calculate all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9

Display the menu or message for an Error Checking button.

Alt+Shift+F10

Display the Function Arguments dialog box when the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula.

Ctrl+A

Insert argument names and parentheses when the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula.

Ctrl+Shift+A

Insert the AutoSum formula

Alt+Equal sign ( = )

Invoke Flash Fill to automatically recognize patterns in adjacent columns and fill the current column

Ctrl+E

Cycle through all combinations of absolute and relative references in a formula if a cell reference or range is selected.

F4

Insert a function.

Shift+F3

Copy the value from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the formula bar.

Ctrl+Shift+Straight quotation mark («)

Create an embedded chart of the data in the current range.

Alt+F1

Create a chart of the data in the current range in a separate Chart sheet.

F11

Define a name to use in references.

Alt+M, M, D

Paste a name from the Paste Name dialog box (if names have been defined in the workbook).

F3

Move to the first field in the next record of a data form.

Enter

Create, run, edit, or delete a macro.

Alt+F8

Open the Microsoft Visual Basic For Applications Editor.

Alt+F11 

Open the Power Query Editor

Alt+F12

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Keyboard shortcuts for refreshing external data

Use the following keys to refresh data from external data sources.

To do this

Press

Stop a refresh operation.

Esc

Refresh data in the current worksheet.

Ctrl+F5

Refresh all data in the workbook.

Ctrl+Alt+F5

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Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts

Use the following keyboard shortcuts with Power Pivot in Microsoft 365, Excel 2019, Excel 2016, and Excel 2013.

To do this

Press

Open the context menu for the selected cell, column, or row.

Shift+F10

Select the entire table.

Ctrl+A

Copy selected data.

Ctrl+C

Delete the table.

Ctrl+D

Move the table.

Ctrl+M

Rename the table.

Ctrl+R

Save the file.

Ctrl+S

Redo the last action.

Ctrl+Y

Undo the last action.

Ctrl+Z

Select the current column.

Ctrl+Spacebar

Select the current row.

Shift+Spacebar

Select all cells from the current location to the last cell of the column.

Shift+Page down

Select all cells from the current location to the first cell of the column.

Shift+Page up

Select all cells from the current location to the last cell of the row.

Shift+End

Select all cells from the current location to the first cell of the row.

Shift+Home

Move to the previous table.

Ctrl+Page up

Move to the next table.

Ctrl+Page down

Move to the first cell in the upper-left corner of selected table.

Ctrl+Home

Move to the last cell in the lower-right corner of selected table.

Ctrl+End

Move to the first cell of the selected row.

Ctrl+Left arrow key

Move to the last cell of the selected row.

Ctrl+Right arrow key

Move to the first cell of the selected column.

Ctrl+Up arrow key

Move to the last cell of selected column.

Ctrl+Down arrow key

Close a dialog box or cancel a process, such as a paste operation.

Ctrl+Esc

Open the AutoFilter Menu dialog box.

Alt+Down arrow key

Open the Go To dialog box.

F5

Recalculate all formulas in the Power Pivot window. For more information, see Recalculate Formulas in Power Pivot.

F9

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Function keys

Key

Description

F1

  • F1 alone: displays the Excel Help task pane.

  • Ctrl+F1: displays or hides the ribbon.

  • Alt+F1: creates an embedded chart of the data in the current range.

  • Alt+Shift+F1: inserts a new worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Shift+F1: toggles full screen mode

F2

  • F2 alone: edit the active cell and put the insertion point at the end of its contents. Or, if editing is turned off for the cell, move the insertion point into the formula bar. If editing a formula, toggle Point mode off or on so you can use the arrow keys to create a reference.

  • Shift+F2: adds or edits a cell note.

  • Ctrl+F2: displays the print preview area on the Print tab in the Backstage view.

F3

  • F3 alone: displays the Paste Name dialog box. Available only if names have been defined in the workbook.

  • Shift+F3: displays the Insert Function dialog box.

F4

  • F4 alone: repeats the last command or action, if possible.

    When a cell reference or range is selected in a formula, F4 cycles through all the various combinations of absolute and relative references.

  • Ctrl+F4: closes the selected workbook window.

  • Alt+F4: closes Excel.

F5

  • F5 alone: displays the Go To dialog box.

  • Ctrl+F5: restores the window size of the selected workbook window.

F6

  • F6 alone: switches between the worksheet, ribbon, task pane, and Zoom controls. In a worksheet that has been split, F6 includes the split panes when switching between panes and the ribbon area.

  • Shift+F6: switches between the worksheet, Zoom controls, task pane, and ribbon.

  • Ctrl+F6: switches between two Excel windows.

  • Ctrl+Shift+F6: switches between all Excel windows.

F7

  • F7 alone: Opens the Spelling dialog box to check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range.

  • Ctrl+F7: performs the Move command on the workbook window when it is not maximized. Use the arrow keys to move the window, and when finished press Enter, or Esc to cancel.

F8

  • F8 alone: turns extend mode on or off. In extend mode, Extended Selection appears in the status line, and the arrow keys extend the selection.

  • Shift+F8: enables you to add a non-adjacent cell or range to a selection of cells by using the arrow keys.

  • Ctrl+F8: performs the Size command when a workbook is not maximized.

  • Alt+F8: displays the Macro dialog box to create, run, edit, or delete a macro.

F9

  • F9 alone: calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks.

  • Shift+F9: calculates the active worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Alt+F9: calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation.

  • Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9: rechecks dependent formulas, and then calculates all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated.

  • Ctrl+F9: minimizes a workbook window to an icon.

F10

  • F10 alone: turns key tips on or off. (Pressing Alt does the same thing.)

  • Shift+F10: displays the context menu for a selected item.

  • Alt+Shift+F10: displays the menu or message for an Error Checking button.

  • Ctrl+F10: maximizes or restores the selected workbook window.

F11

  • F11 alone: creates a chart of the data in the current range in a separate Chart sheet.

  • Shift+F11: inserts a new worksheet.

  • Alt+F11: opens the Microsoft Visual Basic For Applications Editor, in which you can create a macro by using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

F12

  • F12 alone: displays the Save As dialog box.

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Other useful shortcut keys

Key

Description

Alt

  • Displays the Key Tips (new shortcuts) on the ribbon.

For example,

  • Alt, W, P switches the worksheet to Page Layout view.

  • Alt, W, L switches the worksheet to Normal view.

  • Alt, W, I switches the worksheet to Page Break Preview view.

Arrow keys

  • Move one cell up, down, left, or right in a worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Arrow key moves to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet.

  • Shift+Arrow key extends the selection of cells by one cell.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Arrow key extends the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, extends the selection to the next nonblank cell.

  • Left or Right arrow key selects the tab to the left or right when the ribbon is selected. When a submenu is open or selected, these arrow keys switch between the main menu and the submenu. When a ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate the tab buttons.

  • Down or Up arrow key selects the next or previous command when a menu or submenu is open. When a ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate up or down the tab group.

  • In a dialog box, arrow keys move between options in an open drop-down list, or between options in a group of options.

  • Down or Alt+Down arrow key opens a selected drop-down list.

Backspace

  • Deletes one character to the left in the formula bar.

  • Clears the content of the active cell.

  • In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the left of the insertion point.

Delete

  • Removes the cell contents (data and formulas) from selected cells without affecting cell formats, threaded comments, or notes.

  • In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the right of the insertion point.

End

  • End turns End mode on or off. In End mode, you can press an arrow key to move to the next nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell. End mode turns off automatically after pressing the arrow key. Make sure to press End again before pressing the next arrow key. End mode is shown in the status bar when it is on.

  • If the cells are blank, pressing End followed by an arrow key moves to the last cell in the row or column.

  • End also selects the last command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.

  • Ctrl+End moves to the last cell on a worksheet, to the lowest used row of the rightmost used column. If the cursor is in the formula bar, Ctrl+End moves the cursor to the end of the text.

  • Ctrl+Shift+End extends the selection of cells to the last used cell on the worksheet (lower-right corner). If the cursor is in the formula bar, Ctrl+Shift+End selects all text in the formula bar from the cursor position to the end—this does not affect the height of the formula bar.

Enter

  • Completes a cell entry from the cell or the formula bar and selects the cell below (by default).

  • In a data form, it moves to the first field in the next record.

  • Opens a selected menu (press F10 to activate the menu bar) or performs the action for a selected command.

  • In a dialog box, it performs the action for the default command button in the dialog box (the button with the bold outline, often the OK button).

  • Alt+Enter starts a new line in the same cell.

  • Ctrl+Enter fills the selected cell range with the current entry.

  • Shift+Enter completes a cell entry and selects the cell above.

Esc

  • Cancels an entry in the cell or formula bar.

  • Closes an open menu or submenu, dialog box, or message window.

Home

  • Moves to the beginning of a row in a worksheet.

  • Moves to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when Scroll lock is turned on.

  • Selects the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.

  • Ctrl+Home moves to the beginning of a worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Home extends the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet.

Page down

  • Moves one screen down in a worksheet.

  • Alt+Page down moves one screen to the right in a worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Page down moves to the next sheet in a workbook.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Page down selects the current and next sheet in a workbook.

Page up

  • Moves one screen up in a worksheet.

  • Alt+Page up moves one screen to the left in a worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Page up moves to the previous sheet in a workbook.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Page up selects the current and previous sheet in a workbook.

Shift

  • Hold the Shift key while you drag a selected row, column, or selected cells to move the selected cells and drop to insert them in a new location.

Spacebar

  • In a dialog box, performs the action for the selected button, or selects or clears a checkbox.

  • Ctrl+Spacebar selects an entire column in a worksheet.

  • Shift+Spacebar selects an entire row in a worksheet.

  • Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects the entire worksheet.

  • If the worksheet contains data, Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects the current region. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar a second time selects the current region and its summary rows. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar a third time selects the entire worksheet.

  • When an object is selected, Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects all objects on a worksheet.

  • Alt+Spacebar displays the Control menu for the Excel window.

Tab key

  • Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet.

  • Moves between unlocked cells in a protected worksheet.

  • Moves to the next option or option group in a dialog box.

  • Shift+Tab moves to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option in a dialog box.

  • Ctrl+Tab switches to the next tab in a dialog box, or (if no dialog box is open) switches between two Excel windows. 

  • Ctrl+Shift+Tab switches to the previous tab in a dialog box, or (if no dialog box is open) switches between all Excel windows.

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See also

Excel help & learning

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

Screen reader support for Excel

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts, function keys, and some other common shortcut keys in Excel for Mac.

Notes: 

  • The settings in some versions of the Mac operating system (OS) and some utility applications might conflict with keyboard shortcuts and function key operations in Microsoft 365 for Mac. 

  • If you don’t find a keyboard shortcut here that meets your needs, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut. For instructions, go to Create a custom keyboard shortcut for Office for Mac.

  • Many of the shortcuts that use the Ctrl key on a Windows keyboard also work with the Control key in Excel for Mac. However, not all do.

  • To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use the Search. Press The Command button.+F, and then type your search words.

  • Click-to-add is available but requires a setup. Select Excel> Preferences > Edit Enable Click to Add Mode. To start a formula, type an equal sign ( = ), and then select cells to add them together. The plus sign (+) will be added automatically.

In this topic

  • Frequently used shortcuts

  • Shortcut conflicts

    • Change system preferences for keyboard shortcuts with the mouse

  • Work in windows and dialog boxes

  • Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook

  • Enter data on a sheet

  • Work in cells or the Formula bar

  • Format and edit data

  • Select cells, columns, or rows

  • Work with a selection

  • Use charts

  • Sort, filter, and use PivotTable reports

  • Outline data

  • Use function key shortcuts

    • Change function key preferences with the mouse

  • Drawing

Frequently used shortcuts

This table itemizes the most frequently used shortcuts in Excel for Mac.

To do this

Press

Paste selection.

The Command button.+V
or
Control+V

Copy selection.

The Command button.+C
or
Control+C

Clear selection.

Delete

Save workbook.

The Command button.+S
or
Control+S

Undo action.

The Command button.+Z
or
Control+Z

Redo action.

The Command button.+Y
or
Control+Y
or
The Command button.+Shift+Z

Cut selection.

The Command button.+X
or
Control+X
or
Shift+The Mac Delete button with a cross symbol on it.

Apply bold formatting.

The Command button.+B
or
Control+B

Print workbook.

The Command button.+P
or
Control+P

Open Visual Basic.

Option+F11

Fill cells down.

The Command button.+D
or
Control+D

Fill cells right.

The Command button.+R
or
Control+R

Insert cells.

Control+Shift+Equal sign ( = )

Delete cells.

The Command button.+Hyphen (-)
or
Control+Hyphen (-)

Calculate all open workbooks.

The Command button.+Equal sign ( = )
or
F9

Close window.

The Command button.+W
or
Control+W

Quit Excel.

The Command button.+Q

Display the Go To dialog box.

Control+G
or
F5

Display the Format Cells dialog box.

The Command button.+1
or
Control+1

Display the Replace dialog box.

Control+H
or
The Command button.+Shift+H

Use Paste Special.

The Command button.+Control+V
or
Control+Option+V
or
The Command button.+Option+V

Apply underline formatting.

The Command button.+U

Apply italic formatting.

The Command button.+I
or
Control+I

Open a new blank workbook.

The Command button.+N
or
Control+N

Create a new workbook from template.

The Command button.+Shift+P

Display the Save As dialog box.

The Command button.+Shift+S
or
F12

Display the Help window.

F1
or
The Command button.+Forward slash (/)

Select all.

The Command button.+A
or
The Command button.+Shift+Spacebar

Add or remove a filter.

The Command button.+Shift+F
or
Control+Shift+L

Minimize or maximize the ribbon tabs.

The Command button.+Option+R

Display the Open dialog box.

The Command button.+O
or
Control+O

Check spelling.

F7

Open the thesaurus.

Shift+F7

Display the Formula Builder.

Shift+F3

Open the Define Name dialog box.

The Command button.+F3

Insert or reply to a threaded comment.

The Command button.+Return

Open the Create names dialog box.

The Command button.+Shift+F3

Insert a new sheet. *

Shift+F11

Print preview.

The Command button.+P
or
Control+P

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Shortcut conflicts

Some Windows keyboard shortcuts conflict with the corresponding default macOS keyboard shortcuts. This topic flags such shortcuts with an asterisk (*). To use these shortcuts, you might have to change your Mac keyboard settings to change the Show Desktop shortcut for the key.

Change system preferences for keyboard shortcuts with the mouse

  1. On the Apple menu, select System Settings.

  2. Select Keyboard.

  3. Select Keyboard Shortcuts.

  4. Find the shortcut that you want to use in Excel and clear the checkbox for it.

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Work in windows and dialog boxes

To do this

Press

Expand or minimize the ribbon.

The Command button.+Option+R

Switch to full screen view.

The Command button.+Control+F

Switch to the next application.

The Command button.+Tab

Switch to the previous application.

Shift+The Command button.+Tab

Close the active workbook window.

The Command button.+W

Take a screenshot and save it on your desktop.

Shift+The Command button.+3

Minimize the active window.

Control+F9

Maximize or restore the active window.

Control+F10
or
The Command button.+F10

Hide Excel.

The Command button.+H

Move to the next box, option, control, or command.

Tab key

Move to the previous box, option, control, or command.

Shift+Tab

Exit a dialog box or cancel an action.

Esc

Perform the action assigned to the default button (the button with the bold outline).

Return

Cancel the command and close the dialog box or menu.

Esc

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Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook

To do this

Press

Move one cell up, down, left, or right.

Arrow keys

Move to the edge of the current data region.

The Command button.+Arrow key

Move to the beginning of the row.

Home
On a MacBook, Fn+Left arrow key

Move to the beginning of the sheet.

Control+Home
On a MacBook, Control+Fn+Left arrow key

Move to the last cell in use on the sheet.

Control+End
On a MacBook, Control+Fn+Right arrow key

Move down one screen.

Page down
On a MacBook, Fn+Down arrow key

Move up one screen.

Page up
On a MacBook, Fn+Up arrow key

Move one screen to the right.

Option+Page down
On a MacBook, Fn+Option+Down arrow key

Move one screen to the left.

Option+Page up
On a MacBook, Fn+Option+Up arrow key

Move to the next sheet in the workbook.

Control+Page down
or
Option+Right arrow key

Move to the previous sheet in the workbook.

Control+Page down
or
Option+Left arrow key

Scroll to display the active cell.

Control+Delete

Display the Go To dialog box.

Control+G

Display the Find dialog box.

Control+F
or
Shift+F5

Access search (when in a cell or when a cell is selected).

The Command button.+F

Move between unlocked cells on a protected sheet.

Tab key

Scroll horizontally.

Shift, then scroll the mouse wheel up for left, down for right

Tip: To use the arrow keys to move between cells in Excel for Mac 2011, you must turn Scroll Lock off. To toggle Scroll Lock off or on, press Shift+F14. Depending on the type of your keyboard, you might need to use the Control, Option, or the Command key instead of the Shift key. If you are using a MacBook, you might need to plug in a USB keyboard to use the F14 key combination.

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Enter data on a sheet

To do this

Press

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Complete a cell entry and move forward in the selection.

Return

Start a new line in the same cell.

Option+Return or Control+Option+Return

Fill the selected cell range with the text that you type.

The Command button.+Return
or
Control+Return

Complete a cell entry and move up in the selection.

Shift+Return

Complete a cell entry and move to the right in the selection.

Tab key

Complete a cell entry and move to the left in the selection.

Shift+Tab

Cancel a cell entry.

Esc

Delete the character to the left of the insertion point or delete the selection.

Delete

Delete the character to the right of the insertion point or delete the selection.

Note: Some smaller keyboards do not have this key.

The Mac Delete button with a cross symbol on it.

On a MacBook, Fn+Delete

Delete text to the end of the line.

Note: Some smaller keyboards do not have this key.

Control+The Mac Delete button with a cross symbol on it.
On a MacBook, Control+Fn+Delete

Move one character up, down, left, or right.

Arrow keys

Move to the beginning of the line.

Home
On a MacBook, Fn+Left arrow key

Insert a note.

Shift+F2

Open and edit a cell note.

Shift+F2

Insert a threaded comment.

The Command button.+Shift+F2

Open and reply to a threaded comment.

The Command button.+Shift+F2

Fill down.

Control+D
or
The Command button.+D

 Fill to the right.

Control+R
or
The Command button.+R 

Invoke Flash Fill to automatically recognize patterns in adjacent columns and fill the current column.

Control+E

Define a name.

Control+L

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Work in cells or the Formula bar

To do this

Press

Turn on or off tooltips for checking formulas directly in the formula bar.

Control+Option+P

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Expand or collapse the formula bar.

Control+Shift+U

Edit the active cell and then clear it or delete the preceding character in the active cell as you edit the cell contents.

Delete

Complete a cell entry.

Return

Enter a formula as an array formula.

Shift+The Command button.+Return
or
Control+Shift+Return

Cancel an entry in the cell or formula bar.

Esc

Display the Formula Builder after you type a valid function name in a formula

Control+A

Insert a hyperlink.

The Command button.+K
or
Control+K

Edit the active cell and position the insertion point at the end of the line.

Control+U

Open the Formula Builder.

Shift+F3

Calculate the active sheet.

Shift+F9

Display the context menu.

Shift+F10

Start a formula.

Equal sign ( = )

Toggle the formula reference style between absolute, relative, and mixed.

The Command button.+T
or
F4

Insert the AutoSum formula.

Shift+The Command button.+T

Enter the date.

Control+Semicolon (;)

Enter the time.

The Command button.+Semicolon (;)

Copy the value from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the formula bar.

Control+Shift+Inch mark/Straight double quote («)

Alternate between displaying cell values and displaying cell formulas.

Control+Grave accent (`)

Copy a formula from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the formula bar.

Control+Apostrophe (‘)

Display the AutoComplete list.

Option+Down arrow key

Define a name.

Control+L

Open the Smart Lookup pane.

Control+Option+The Command button.+L

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Format and edit data

To do this

Press

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Create a table.

The Command button.+T
or
Control+T

Insert a line break in a cell.

The Command button.+Option+Return
or
Control+Option+Return

Insert special characters like symbols, including emoji.

Control+The Command button.+Spacebar

Increase font size.

Shift+The Command button.+Right angle bracket (>)

Decrease font size.

Shift+The Command button.+Left angle bracket (<)

Align center.

The Command button.+E

Align left.

The Command button.+L

Display the Modify Cell Style dialog box.

Shift+The Command button.+L

Display the Format Cells dialog box.

The Command button.+1

Apply the general number format.

Control+Shift+Tilde (~)

Apply the currency format with two decimal places (negative numbers appear in red with parentheses).

Control+Shift+Dollar sign ($)

Apply the percentage format with no decimal places.

Control+Shift+Percent sign (%)

Apply the exponential number format with two decimal places.

Control+Shift+Caret (^)

Apply the date format with the day, month, and year.

Control+Shift+Number sign (#)

Apply the time format with the hour and minute, and indicate AM or PM.

Control+Shift+At symbol (@)

Apply the number format with two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values.

Control+Shift+Exclamation point (!)

Apply the outline border around the selected cells.

The Command button.+Option+Zero (0)

Add an outline border to the right of the selection.

The Command button.+Option+Right arrow key

Add an outline border to the left of the selection.

The Command button.+Option+Left arrow key

Add an outline border to the top of the selection.

The Command button.+Option+Up arrow key

Add an outline border to the bottom of the selection.

The Command button.+Option+Down arrow key

Remove outline borders.

The Command button.+Option+Hyphen

Apply or remove bold formatting.

The Command button.+B

Apply or remove italic formatting.

The Command button.+I

Apply or remove underline formatting.

The Command button.+U

Apply or remove strikethrough formatting.

Shift+The Command button.+X

Hide a column.

The Command button.+Right parenthesis ())
or
Control+Right parenthesis ())

Unhide a column.

Shift+The Command button.+Right parenthesis ())
or
Control+Shift+Right parenthesis ())

Hide a row.

The Command button.+Left parenthesis (()
or
Control+Left parenthesis (()

Unhide a row.

Shift+The Command button.+Left parenthesis (()
or
Control+Shift+Left parenthesis (()

Edit the active cell.

Control+U

Cancel an entry in the cell or the formula bar.

Esc

Edit the active cell and then clear it or delete the preceding character in the active cell as you edit the cell contents.

Delete

Paste text into the active cell.

The Command button.+V

Complete a cell entry

Return

Give selected cells the current cell’s entry.

The Command button.+Return
or
Control+Return

Enter a formula as an array formula.

Shift+The Command button.+Return
or
Control+Shift+Return

Display the Formula Builder after you type a valid function name in a formula.

Control+A

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Select cells, columns, or rows

To do this

Press

Extend the selection by one cell.

Shift+Arrow key

Extend the selection to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell.

Shift+The Command button.+Arrow key

Extend the selection to the beginning of the row.

Shift+Home
On a MacBook, Shift+Fn+Left arrow key

Extend the selection to the beginning of the sheet.

Control+Shift+Home
On a MacBook, Control+Shift+Fn+Left arrow key

Extend the selection to the last cell used
on the sheet (lower-right corner).

Control+Shift+End
On a MacBook, Control+Shift+Fn+Right arrow key

Select the entire column. *

Control+Spacebar

Select the entire row.

Shift+Spacebar

Select the current region or entire sheet. Press more than once to expand the selection.

The Command button.+A

Select only visible cells.

Shift+The Command button.+Asterisk (*)

Select only the active cell when multiple cells are selected.

Shift+Delete
(not the forward delete key   The Mac Delete button with a cross symbol on it. found on full keyboards)

Extend the selection down one screen.

Shift+Page down
On a MacBook, Shift+Fn+Down arrow key

Extend the selection up one screen

Shift+Page up
On a MacBook, Shift+Fn+Up arrow key

Alternate between hiding objects, displaying objects,
and displaying placeholders for objects.

Control+6

Turn on the capability to extend a selection
by using the arrow keys.

F8

Add another range of cells to the selection.

Shift+F8

Select the current array, which is the array that the
active cell belongs to.

Control+Forward slash (/)

Select cells in a row that don’t match the value
in the active cell in that row.
You must select the row starting with the active cell.

Control+Backward slash ()

Select only cells that are directly referred to by formulas in the selection.

Control+Shift+Left bracket ([)

Select all cells that are directly or indirectly referred to by formulas in the selection.

Control+Shift+Left brace ({)

Select only cells with formulas that refer directly to the active cell.

Control+Right bracket (])

Select all cells with formulas that refer directly or indirectly to the active cell.

Control+Shift+Right brace (})

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Work with a selection

To do this

Press

Copy a selection.

The Command button.+C
or
Control+V

Paste a selection.

The Command button.+V
or
Control+V

Cut a selection.

The Command button.+X
or
Control+X

Clear a selection.

Delete

Delete the selection.

Control+Hyphen

Undo the last action.

The Command button.+Z

Hide a column.

The Command button.+Right parenthesis ())
or
Control+Right parenthesis ())

Unhide a column.

The Command button.+Shift+Right parenthesis ())
or
Control+Shift+Right parenthesis ())

Hide a row.

The Command button.+Left parenthesis (()
or
Control+Left parenthesis (()

Unhide a row.

The Command button.+Shift+Left parenthesis (()
or
Control+Shift+Left parenthesis (()

Move selected rows, columns, or cells.

Hold the Shift key while you drag a selected row, column, or selected cells to move the selected cells and drop to insert them in a new location.

If you don’t hold the Shift key while you drag and drop, the selected cells will be cut from the original location and pasted to the new location (not inserted).

Move from top to bottom within the selection (down). *

Return

Move from bottom to top within the selection (up). *

Shift+Return

Move from left to right within the selection,
or move down one cell if only one column is selected.

Tab key

Move from right to left within the selection,
or move up one cell if only one column is selected.

Shift+Tab

Move clockwise to the next corner of the selection.

Control+Period (.)

Group selected cells.

The Command button.+Shift+K

Ungroup selected cells.

The Command button.+Shift+J

* These shortcuts might move in another direction other than down or up. If you’d like to change the direction of these shortcuts using the mouse, select Excel > Preferences Edit, and then, in After pressing Return, move selection, select the direction you want to move to.

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Use charts

To do this

Press

Insert a new chart sheet. *

F11

Cycle through chart object selection.

Arrow keys

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Sort, filter, and use PivotTable reports

To do this

Press

Open the Sort dialog box.

The Command button.+Shift+R

Add or remove a filter.

The Command button.+Shift+F
or
Control+Shift+L

Display the Filter list or PivotTable page
field pop-up menu for the selected cell.

Option+Down arrow key

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Outline data

To do this

Press

Display or hide outline symbols.

Control+8

Hide selected rows.

Control+9

Unhide selected rows.

Control+Shift+Left parenthesis (()

Hide selected columns.

Control+Zero (0)

Unhide selected columns.

Control+Shift+Right parenthesis ())

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Use function key shortcuts

Excel for Mac uses the function keys for common commands, including Copy and Paste. For quick access to these shortcuts, you can change your Apple system preferences, so you don’t have to press the Fn key every time you use a function key shortcut. 

Note: Changing system function key preferences affects how the function keys work for your Mac, not just Excel for Mac. After changing this setting, you can still perform the special features printed on a function key. Just press the Fn key. For example, to use the F12 key to change your volume, you would press Fn+F12.

If a function key doesn’t work as you expect it to, press the Fn key in addition to the function key. If you don’t want to press the Fn key each time, you can change your Apple system preferences. For instructions, go to Change function key preferences with the mouse.

The following table provides the function key shortcuts for Excel for Mac.

To do this

Press

Display the Help window.

F1

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Insert a note or open and edit a cell note.

Shift+F2

Insert a threaded comment or open and reply to a threaded comment.

The Command button.+Shift+F2

Open the Save dialog box.

Option+F2

Open the Formula Builder.

Shift+F3

Open the Define Name dialog box.

The Command button.+F3

Close a window or a dialog box.

The Command button.+F4

Display the Go To dialog box.

F5

Display the Find dialog box.

Shift+F5

Move to the Search Sheet dialog box.

Control+F5

Switch focus between the worksheet, ribbon, task pane, and status bar.

F6 or Shift+F6

Check spelling.

F7

Open the thesaurus.

Shift+F7
or
Control+Option+The Command button.+R

Extend the selection.

F8

Add to the selection.

Shift+F8

Display the Macro dialog box.

Option+F8

Calculate all open workbooks.

F9

Calculate the active sheet.

Shift+F9

Minimize the active window.

Control+F9

Display the context menu, or «right click» menu.

Shift+F10

Display a pop-up menu (on object button menu), such as by clicking the button after you paste into a sheet.

Option+Shift+F10

Maximize or restore the active window.

Control+F10
or
The Command button.+F10

Insert a new chart sheet.*

F11

Insert a new sheet.*

Shift+F11

Insert an Excel 4.0 macro sheet.

The Command button.+F11

Open Visual Basic.

Option+F11

Display the Save As dialog box.

F12

Display the Open dialog box.

The Command button.+F12

Open the Power Query Editor

Option+F12

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Change function key preferences with the mouse

  1. On the Apple menu, select System Preferences Keyboard.

  2. On the Keyboard tab, select the checkbox for Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.

Drawing

To do this

Press

Toggle Drawing mode on and off.

The Command button.+Control+Z

Top of Page

See also

Excel help & learning

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Screen reader support for Excel

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts in Excel for iOS.

Notes: 

  • If you’re familiar with keyboard shortcuts on your macOS computer, the same key combinations work with Excel for iOS using an external keyboard, too.

  • To quickly find a shortcut, you can use the Search. Press The Command button.+F and then type your search words.

In this topic

  • Navigate the worksheet

  • Format and edit data

  • Work in cells or the formula bar

Navigate the worksheet

To do this

Press

Move one cell to the right.

Tab key

Move one cell up, down, left, or right.

Arrow keys

Move to the next sheet in the workbook.

Option+Right arrow key

Move to the previous sheet in the workbook.

Option+Left arrow key

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Format and edit data

To do this

Press

Apply outline border.

The Command button.+Option+0

Remove outline border.

The Command button.+Option+Hyphen (-)

Hide column(s).

The Command button.+0

Hide row(s).

Control+9

Unhide column(s).

Shift+The Command button.+0 or Shift+Control+Right parenthesis ())

Unhide row(s).

Shift+Control+9 or Shift+Control+Left parenthesis (()

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Work in cells or the formula bar

To do this

Press

Move to the cell on the right.

Tab key

Move within cell text.

Arrow keys

Copy a selection.

The Command button.+C

Paste a selection.

The Command button.+V

Cut a selection.

The Command button.+X

Undo an action.

The Command button.+Z

Redo an action.

The Command button.+Y or  The Command button.+Shift+Z

Apply bold formatting to the selected text.

The Command button.+B

Apply italic formatting to the selected text.

The Command button.+I

Underline the selected text.

The Command button.+U

Select all.

The Command button.+A

Select a range of cells.

Shift+Left or Right arrow key

Insert a line break within a cell.

The Command button.+Option+Return or Control+Option+Return

Move the cursor to the beginning of the current line within a cell.

The Command button.+Left arrow key

Move the cursor to the end of the current line within a cell.

The Command button.+Right arrow key

Move the cursor to the beginning of the current cell.

The Command button.+Up arrow key

Move the cursor to the end of the current cell.

The Command button.+Down arrow key

Move the cursor up by one paragraph within a cell that contains a line break.

Option+Up arrow key

Move the cursor down by one paragraph within a cell that contains a line break.

Option+Down arrow key

Move the cursor right by one word.

Option+Right arrow key

Move the cursor left by one word.

Option+Left arrow key

Insert an AutoSum formula.

Shift+The Command button.+T

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See also

Excel help & learning

Screen reader support for Excel

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Android.

Notes: 

  • If you’re familiar with keyboard shortcuts on your Windows computer, the same key combinations work with Excel for Android using an external keyboard, too.

  • To quickly find a shortcut, you can use the Search. Press Control+F and then type your search words.

In this topic

  • Navigate the worksheet

  • Work with cells

Navigate the worksheet

To do this

Press

Move one cell to the right.

Tab key

Move one cell up, down, left, or right.

Up, Down, Left, or Right arrow key

Top of Page 

Work with cells

To do this

Press

Save a worksheet.

Control+S

Copy a selection.

Control+C

Paste a selection.

Control+V

Cut a selection.

Control+X

Undo an action.

Control+Z

Redo an action.

Control+Y

Apply bold formatting.

Control+B

Apply italic formatting.

Control+I

Apply underline formatting.

Control+U

Select all.

Control+A

Find.

Control+F

Insert a line break within a cell.

Alt+Enter

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See also

Excel help & learning

Screen reader support for Excel

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

This article describes the keyboard shortcuts in Excel for the web.

Notes: 

  • If you use Narrator with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you have to turn off scan mode in order to edit documents, spreadsheets, or presentations with Microsoft 365 for the web. For more information, refer to Turn off virtual or browse mode in screen readers in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.

  • To quickly find a shortcut, you can use the Search. Press Ctrl+F and then type your search words.

  • When you use Excel for the web, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge as your web browser. Because Excel for the web runs in your web browser, the keyboard shortcuts are different from those in the desktop program. For example, you’ll use Ctrl+F6 instead of F6 for jumping in and out of the commands. Also, common shortcuts like F1 (Help) and Ctrl+O (Open) apply to the web browser — not Excel for the web.

In this article

  • Quick tips for using keyboard shortcuts with Excel for the web

  • Frequently used shortcuts

  • Access keys: Shortcuts for using the ribbon

  • Keyboard shortcuts for editing cells

  • Keyboard shortcuts for entering data

  • Keyboard shortcuts for editing data within a cell

  • Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells

  • Keyboard shortcuts for moving and scrolling within worksheets

  • Keyboard shortcuts for working with objects

  • Keyboard shortcuts for working with cells, rows, columns, and objects

  • Keyboard shortcuts for moving within a selected range

  • Keyboard shortcuts for calculating data

  • Accessibility Shortcuts Menu (Alt+Shift+A)

  • Control keyboard shortcuts in Excel for the web by overriding browser keyboard shortcuts

Quick tips for using keyboard shortcuts with Excel for the web

  • To find any command quickly, press Alt+Windows logo key, Q to jump to the Search or Tell Me text field. In Search or Tell Me, type a word or the name of a command you want (available only in Editing mode). Search or Tell Me searches for related options and provides a list. Use the Up and Down arrow keys to select a command, and then press Enter.

    Depending on the version of Microsoft 365 you are using, the Search text field at the top of the app window might be called Tell Me instead. Both offer a largely similar experience, but some options and search results can vary.

  • To jump to a particular cell in a workbook, use the Go To option: press Ctrl+G, type the cell reference (such as B14), and then press Enter.

  • If you use a screen reader, go to Accessibility Shortcuts Menu (Alt+Shift+A).

Frequently used shortcuts

These are the most frequently used shortcuts for Excel for the web.

Tip: To quickly create a new worksheet in Excel for the web, open your browser, type Excel.new in the address bar, and then press Enter.

To do this

Press

Go to a specific cell.

Ctrl+G

Move down.

Page down or Down arrow key

Move up.

Page up or Up arrow key

Print a workbook.

Ctrl+P

Copy selection.

Ctrl+C

Paste selection.

Ctrl+V

Cut selection.

Ctrl+X

Undo action.

Ctrl+Z

Open workbook.

Ctrl+O

Close workbook.

Ctrl+W

Open the Save As dialog box.

Alt+F2

Use Find.

Ctrl+F or Shift+F3

Apply bold formatting.

Ctrl+B

Open the context menu.

  • Windows keyboards: Shift+F10 or Windows Menu key

  • Other keyboards: Shift+F10

Jump to Search or Tell me.

Alt+Q

Repeat Find downward.

Shift+F4

Repeat Find upward.

Ctrl+Shift+F4

Insert a chart.

Alt+F1

Display the access keys (ribbon commands) on the classic ribbon when using Narrator.

Alt+Period (.)

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Access keys: Shortcuts for using the ribbon

Excel for the web offers access keys, keyboard shortcuts to navigate the ribbon. If you’ve used access keys to save time on Excel for desktop computers, you’ll find access keys very similar in Excel for the web.

In Excel for the web, access keys all start with Alt+Windows logo key, then add a letter for the ribbon tab. For example, to go to the Review tab, press Alt+Windows logo key, R.

Note: To learn how to override the browser’s Alt-based ribbon shortcuts, go to Control keyboard shortcuts in Excel for the web by overriding browser keyboard shortcuts.

If you’re using Excel for the web on a Mac computer, press Control+Option to start.

Ribbon tab key tips on Excel for the Web.

  • To get to the ribbon, press Alt+Windows logo key, or press Ctrl+F6 until you reach the Home tab.

  • To move between tabs on the ribbon, press the Tab key.

  • To hide the ribbon so you have more room to work, press Ctrl+F1. To display the ribbon again, press Ctrl+F1.

Go to the access keys for the ribbon

To go directly to a tab on the ribbon, press one of the following access keys:

To do this

Press

Go to the Search or Tell Me field on the ribbon and type a search term.

Alt+Windows logo key, Q

Open the File menu.

Alt+Windows logo key, F

Open the Home tab and format text and numbers or use other tools such as Sort & Filter.

Alt+Windows logo key, H

Open the Insert tab and insert a function, table, chart, hyperlink, or threaded comment.

Alt+Windows logo key, N

Open the Data tab and refresh connections or use data tools.

Alt+Windows logo key, A

Open the Review tab and use the Accessibility Checker or work with threaded comments and notes.

Alt+Windows logo key, R

Open the View tab to choose a view, freeze rows or columns in your worksheet, or show gridlines and headers.

Alt+Windows logo key, W

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Work in the ribbon tabs and menus

The shortcuts in this table can save time when you work with the ribbon tabs and ribbon menus.

To do this

Press

Select the active tab of the ribbon and activate the access keys.

Alt+Windows logo key. To move to a different tab, use an access key or the Tab key.

Move the focus to commands on the ribbon.

Enter, then the Tab key or Shift+Tab

Activate a selected button.

Spacebar or Enter

Open the list for a selected command.

Spacebar or Enter

Open the menu for a selected button.

Alt+Down arrow key

When a menu or submenu is open, move to the next command.

Esc

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Keyboard shortcuts for editing cells

Tip: If a spreadsheet opens in the Viewing mode, editing commands won’t work. To switch to Editing mode, press Alt+Windows logo key, Z, M, E.

To do this

Press

Insert a row above the current row.

Alt+Windows logo key, H, I, R

Insert a column to the left of the current column.

Alt+Windows logo key, H, I, C

Cut selection.

Ctrl+X

Copy selection.

Ctrl+C

Paste selection.

Ctrl+V

Undo an action.

Ctrl+Z

Redo an action.

Ctrl+Y

Start a new line in the same cell.

Alt+Enter

Insert a hyperlink.

Ctrl+K

Insert a table.

Ctrl+L

Insert a function.

Shift+F3

Increase font size.

Ctrl+Shift+Right angle bracket (>)

Decrease font size.

Ctrl+Shift+Left angle bracket (<)

Apply a filter.

Alt+Windows logo key, A, T

Re-apply a filter.

Ctrl+Alt+L

Toggle AutoFilter on and off.

Ctrl+Shift+L

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Keyboard shortcuts for entering data

To do this

Press

Complete cell entry and select the cell below.

Enter

Complete cell entry and select the cell above.

Shift+Enter

Complete cell entry and select the next cell in the row.

Tab key

Complete cell entry and select the previous cell in the row.

Shift+Tab

Cancel cell entry.

Esc

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Keyboard shortcuts for editing data within a cell

To do this

Press

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Cycle through all the various combinations of absolute and relative references when a cell reference or range is selected in a formula.

F4

Clear the selected cell.

Delete

Clear the selected cell and start editing.

Backspace

Go to beginning of cell line.

Home

Go to end of cell line.

End

Select right by one character.

Shift+Right arrow key

Select to the beginning of cell data.

Shift+Home

Select to the end of cell data.

Shift+End

Select left by one character.

Shift+Left arrow key

Extend selection to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, to the next nonblank cell.

Ctrl+Shift+Right arrow key or Ctrl+Shift+Left arrow key

Insert the current date.

Ctrl+Semicolon (;)

Insert the current time.

Ctrl+Shift+Semicolon (;)

Copy a formula from the cell above.

Ctrl+Apostrophe (‘)

Copy the value from the cell above.

Ctrl+Shift+Apostrophe (‘)

Insert a formula argument.

Ctrl+Shift+A

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Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells

To do this

Press

Apply bold formatting.

Ctrl+B

Apply italic formatting.

Ctrl+I

Apply underline formatting.

Ctrl+U

Paste formatting.

Shift+Ctrl+V

Apply the outline border to the selected cells.

Ctrl+Shift+Ampersand (&)

Apply the number format.

Ctrl+Shift+1

Apply the time format.

Ctrl+Shift+2

Apply the date format.

Ctrl+Shift+3

Apply the currency format.

Ctrl+Shift+4

Apply the percentage format.

Ctrl+Shift+5

Apply the scientific format.

Ctrl+Shift+6

Apply outside border.

Ctrl+Shift+7

Open the Number Format dialog box.

Ctrl+1

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Keyboard shortcuts for moving and scrolling within worksheets

To do this

Press

Move up one cell.

Up arrow key or Shift+Enter

Move down one cell.

Down arrow key or Enter

Move right one cell.

Right arrow key or Tab key

Go to the beginning of the row.

Home

Go to cell A1.

Ctrl+Home

Go to the last cell of the used range.

Ctrl+End

Move down one screen (28 rows).

Page down

Move up one screen (28 rows).

Page up

Move to the edge of the current data region.

Ctrl+Right arrow key or Ctrl+Left arrow key

Move between ribbon and workbook content.

Ctrl+F6

Move to a different ribbon tab.

Tab key

Press Enter to go to the ribbon for the tab.

Insert a new sheet.

Shift+F11

Switch to the next sheet.

Alt+Ctrl+Page down

Switch to the next sheet (when in Microsoft Teams or a browser other than Chrome).

Ctrl+Page down

Switch to the previous sheet.

Alt+Ctrl+Page up

Switch to previous sheet (when in Microsoft Teams or a browser other than Chrome).

Ctrl+Page up

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Keyboard shortcuts for working with objects

To do this

Press

Open menu or drill down.

Alt+Down arrow key

Close menu or drill up.

Alt+Up arrow key

Follow hyperlink.

Ctrl+Enter

Open a note for editing.

Shift+F2

Open and reply to a threaded comment.

Ctrl+Shift+F2

Rotate an object left.

Alt+Left arrow key

Rotate an object right.

Alt+Right arrow key

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Keyboard shortcuts for working with cells, rows, columns, and objects

To do this

Press

Select a range of cells.

Shift+Arrow keys

Select an entire column.

Ctrl+Spacebar

Select an entire row.

Shift+Spacebar

Extend selection to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, to the next nonblank cell.

Ctrl+Shift+Right arrow key or Ctrl+Shift+Left arrow key

Add a non-adjacent cell or range to a selection.

Shift+F8

Insert cells, rows, or columns.

Ctrl+Plus sign (+)

Delete cells, rows, or columns.

Ctrl+Minus sign (-)

Hide rows.

Ctrl+9

Unhide rows.

Ctrl+Shift+9

Hide columns

Ctrl+0

Unhide columns

Ctrl+Shift+0

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Keyboard shortcuts for moving within a selected range

To do this

Press

Move from top to bottom (or forward through the selection).

Enter

Move from bottom to top (or back through the selection).

Shift+Enter

Move forward through a row (or down through a single-column selection).

Tab key

Move back through a row (or up through a single-column selection).

Shift+Tab

Move to an active cell.

Shift+Backspace

Move to an active cell and keep the selection.

Ctrl+Backspace

Rotate the active cell through the corners of the selection.

Ctrl+Period (.)

Move to the next selected range.

Ctrl+Alt+Right arrow key

Move to the previous selected range.

Ctrl+Alt+Left arrow key

Extend selection to the last used cell in the sheet.

Ctrl+Shift+End

Extend selection to the first cell in the sheet.

Ctrl+Shift+Home

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Keyboard shortcuts for calculating data

To do this

Press

Calculate workbook (refresh).

F9

Perform full calculation.

Ctrl+Shift+Alt+F9

Refresh external data.

Alt+F5

Refresh all external data.

Ctrl+Alt+F5

Apply Auto Sum.

Alt+Equal sign ( = )

Apply Flash Fill.

Ctrl+E

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Accessibility Shortcuts Menu (Alt+Shift+A)

Access the common features quickly by using the following shortcuts:

To do this

Press

Cycle between landmark regions.

Ctrl+F6 or Ctrl+Shift+F6

Move within a landmark region.

Tab key or Shift+Tab

Go to the Search or Tell Me field to run any command.

Alt+Q

Display or hide Key Tips or access the ribbon.

Alt+Windows logo key

Edit the selected cell.

F2

Go to a specific cell.

Ctrl+G

Move to another worksheet in the workbook.

Ctrl+Alt+Page up or Ctrl+Alt+Page down

Open the context menu.

Shift+F10 or Windows Menu key

Read row header.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T

Read row until an active cell.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Home

Read row from an active cell.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+End

Read column header.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+H

Read column until an active cell.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Page up

Read column from an active cell.

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Page down

Open a list of moving options within a dialog box.

Ctrl+Alt+Spacebar

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Control keyboard shortcuts in Excel for the web by overriding browser keyboard shortcuts

Excel for the web works in a browser. Browsers have keyboard shortcuts, some of which conflict with shortcuts that work in Excel on the desktop. You can control these shortcuts, so they work the same in both versions of Excel by changing the Keyboard Shortcuts settings. Overriding browser shortcuts also enables you to open the Excel for the web Help by pressing F1.

Override browser shortcuts in Excel for the web dialog box.
  1. In Excel for the web, select Help > Keyboard Shortcuts

  2. Search for any keyboard shortcut.

  3. Choose the category of shortcuts to display in the list.

  4. Select Override browser shortcuts.

  5. Select Show Overrides to show shortcut overrides in the dialog box.

  6. Select Close.

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See also

Excel help & learning

Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Excel

Basic tasks using a screen reader with Excel

Screen reader support for Excel

Technical support for customers with disabilities

Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.

If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.

Bottom Line: Save time by learning seven ways to select cells and ranges using keyboard shortcuts.

Skill Level: Beginner

Video Tutorial

Watch on YouTube & Subscribe to our Channel

Download the Excel File

If you’d like to follow along with the video using the same worksheet I’m using, you can download it here:

Keyboard Shortcuts to Select Cells

Who doesn’t love a keyboard shortcut to help make things faster and easier?  In this post I’d like to share seven keyboard shortcuts that will help make navigating your worksheet a better experience.  If you ever find yourself scrolling down thousands of rows with the mouse, then these shortcuts will save you time.

1. Select the Last Used Cell

The keyboard shortcut to select the last used cell on a sheet is: Ctrl+End

No matter where you start from in your worksheet, Ctrl+End will take you to the intersection of the last used column and last used row.

ctrl+end takes you to the intersection of the outermost colun and row that have been used

Sometimes, when you use this shortcut, Excel will move your selection so that is farther to the right or farther down than the data range you can see.

Ctrl+end you may have do delete previously used rows or columns

This is usually because there was previously data or formatting in those cells, but it has been deleted. You can clear that by deleting any of those previously used rows or columns and then saving your workbook. (Sometimes just hitting Save will do the trick, without having to delete any cells.)

Ctrl+End will select the last used cell on the sheet.  However, there could be shapes (charts, slicers, etc.) on the sheet below or to the right of that cell.  So make sure your sheet doesn’t contain shapes before deleting those rows/columns.

2. Select the First Visible Cell

The keyboard shortcut to select the first visible cell on a sheet is: Ctrl+Home

Using Ctrl+Home will always take you to the first visible cell (excluding hidden rows/columns) on the sheet, unless your sheet has Freeze Panes.

Ctrl+Home takes you to cell A1

Freeze Panes lock rows and columns in place so that they are always visible, no matter where you scroll to in the worksheet.  Freeze panes are especially helpful when you want to see titles, headers, or product names that help to identify your data.

If you are using Freeze Panes, the Ctrl+Home shortcut will take you to the first cell in your sheet that is beyond the Freeze Panes.  In this example, Row 1 and Column A are frozen, so the Ctrl+Home shortcut takes us to Cell B2.

Crtl+Home using freeze panes

3. Select Last Cell in Contiguous Range

The keyboard shortcut to select the last cell in a contiguous range is:

Ctrl+Arrow Key

Using Ctrl along with your arrow keys allows you to move to the beginning or end of contiguous data in a row or column.  For example, if you start at the top of a column and then press Ctrl+? you will jump to the last cell in that column before an empty cell.  Repeating this process will move you further down the column to just before the next blank cell.

5-Ctrl+Arrow Keys to Navigate Cells 2

Ctrl+? will reverse that process in the upward direction.  And of course, holding Ctrl while using the left or right arrow key accomplishes the same action horizontally instead of vertically.

An Alternative Using the Mouse

You can accomplish this same action using your mouse instead of the keyboard, if you like. Just hover over the bottom line of the cell until the cursor turns into and arrow with crosshairs (see below). Then double-click. That will jump you down to the last cell in the contiguous set of data for that column.

Mouse shortcut - Cursor change to crosshairs

4. Add Cells to the Selected Range

The keyboard shortcut to add cells to the selected range is: Shift+Arrow Key

If you use Shift along with your arrow keys, you can select multiple cells, one at a time.  For example, if you start in any cell and press Shift+?, it highlights the original cell and the cell just below it.

Shift+Arrow key to select multiple cells

The same idea applies to the left, right, or up arrows.  And if you keep the Shift key held down, you can continue to move over multiple cells in multiple directions to select an entire range of data.

5. Select Multiple Cells in Contiguous Range

The keyboard shortcut to select multiple cells in a contiguous range is:

Ctrl+Shift+Arrow Key

Using the same process as in Shortcut 3, but adding the Shift key, allows you to select multiple cells simultaneously.  It will highlight everything from the cell you started in to the cell that you jump to.

Ctrl+Shift+Arrow Keys select an entire range of cells

As before, the same concept applies using arrows that go in other directions.

This process only selects cells that come before a blank cell.  However, sometimes a column can have many blank cells.  If so, this method may not be your best option.  To select large amounts of data containing many blanks, I recommend checking out this post for some alternatives:

2 Keyboard Shortcuts to Select Column with Blank Cells 640

2 Keyboard Shortcuts to Select a Column with Blank Cells

6. Select All Cells to First or Last Cell

Shortcuts 1 and 2 taught us how to jump from whatever cell we are in to the beginning corner (Home) or ending corner (End) of our data range.  Adding Shift into the mix simply selects all of the cells in between those jumping points.

So if, for example, we start in Cell C5 and Press Ctrl+Shift+Home, the following range will be selected.

The keyboard shortcut to all cells to from the active cell to the first visible cell is:

Ctrl+Shift+Home

Ctrl+Shift+Home

If instead we were to begin at C5 and press Ctrl+Shift+End, this range of data will be selected:

Ctrl+Shift+End

The keyboard shortcut to all cells to from the active cell to the last used cell is:

Ctrl+Shift+End

7. Select All Cells

The keyboard shortcut to all cells in the current used range is: Ctrl+A

Press Ctrl+A a second time to select all cells on the sheet.

If your spreadsheet has multiple blocks of data, Excel does a pretty good job of selecting the block of data that is surrounding your cell when you press Ctrl+A.  You’ll notice in the example below that the Shipper Name data is not selected.  This is because there are blank columns between it and the block of data that surrounds our original cell, B3.

Ctrl+A to select all cells in a range

If your intention is to select all of the cells on the sheet, you simply press Ctrl+A a second time and your entire worksheet will be highlighted.

The keyboard shortcut to all cells on the sheet is: Ctrl+A,A

Better, Faster, Smarter

I hope you are able to commit some of these shortcuts to memory.  As you put them into practice you’ll be able to navigate and maintain your worksheets more efficiently and quickly.

Have a keyboard shortcut that you want to share?  Leave a comment below.  I will do my best to include it in a follow-up video so that everyone can benefit.

What are Excel Shortcuts?

An Excel shortcut is a technique of performing a manual task in a quicker way. The shortcuts help speed up the work, which saves time for the secondary tasks of the job. Since Excel is used by almost everybody in some form or the other, it is essential to be aware of the shortcuts.

For example, the excel shortcut “Ctrl+O” opens an already existing workbook. The shortcut “Ctrl+W” closes the currently active workbook.

The purpose of using an excel shortcut is to save the worksheet creator from extra clicks. This improves the productivity at the workplace.

At times, the same task is repeated in Excel on a daily basis. Since such tasks may not have a shortcut, the solution is to create it by recording a macro.

Table of contents
  • What are Excel Shortcuts?
  • Top 20 Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel
    • #1–Paste as Values With “Paste Special”
    • #2–Sum Numbers With AutoSum
    • #3–Fill the Subsequent Cell With the Fill Down
    • #4–Select the Entire Row or Column
    • #5–Insert and Delete Row or Column
    • #6–Insert and Edit Comment
    • #7–Move Between Sheets
    • #8–Add Filters
    • #9–Freeze Rows and Columns
    • #10–Open “Format Cells” Dialog Box
    • #11–Adjust Column Width
    • #12–Repeat the Last Task
    • #13–Insert Line Breaks in a Cell
    • #14–Move Between Different Workbooks
    • #15–Spell-Check
    • #16–Move Between Worksheet and Excel VBA Editor
    • #17–Select a Cell Range  
    • #18–Select the Last Non-Blank Cell of a Row or Column
    • #19–Delete the Active Sheet
    • #20–Insert a New Sheet
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recommended Articles

This article discusses the important excel shortcuts which have been consolidated keeping in mind the day-to-day needs of the user. The explanation of each technique is followed by a relevant example.

It is not possible to memorize every excel shortcut. However, a regular usage does allow gradual learning. To develop expertise in Excel, it is imperative to go beyond the basic cut (Ctrl+X), copy (Ctrl+C), and paste (Ctrl+V) shortcuts.

#1–Paste as Values With “Paste Special”

If a formula cell is copied and pasted, its formula is pasted and not the value of the cell. With “paste specialPaste special in Excel allows you to paste partial aspects of the data copied. There are several ways to paste special in Excel, including right-clicking on the target cell and selecting paste special, or using a shortcut such as CTRL+ALT+V or ALT+E+S.read more,” it is possible to paste the value of the formula cell at the desired location.

The excel shortcut “Alt+E+S+V” (press one by one) opens the “paste special” window and selects “values” under “paste.”

Note: Prior to pressing the excel shortcut, the formula cell must be copied and the desired output cell (where output is required) should be selected.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Paste as Values

Example

The succeeding table shows the prices (in $ in column B) at which some units (column A) of a product are sold. We want to calculate the sales figures and, instead of formulas, paste the final values in column C.

Use the shortcut of the “paste special” property.

The steps to calculate sales and apply the “paste special” shortcut are listed as follows:

Step 1: In cell C2, enter the following formula.

“=B2*A2”

The cell C2 is dependent on the cells A2 and B2.

Copy-paste or drag the formula to the remaining cells. The formulas are applied to the entire range (C2:C6).

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Paste as Values 1

Step 2: Copy the formula cell C2. Press the keys “ALT+E+S+V” one by one. The “paste special” window opens. “Values” is automatically selected under “paste.” Click “Ok.”

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Paste as Values 2

Step 3: The number 3,432 is pasted in cell C2 as a value and not as a formula.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Paste as Values 3

#2–Sum Numbers With AutoSum

Often, there is a need to sum a set of numbers. To do this, we usually apply the SUM functionThe SUM function in excel adds the numerical values in a range of cells. Being categorized under the Math and Trigonometry function, it is entered by typing “=SUM” followed by the values to be summed. The values supplied to the function can be numbers, cell references or ranges.read more. An alternative method is to use the excel shortcut key.

The shortcut “Alt+=” (press together) sums numbers.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Auto Sum

Example #2

The following table shows the region-wise sales of an organization. We want to sum all the sales figures to find the total sales. Use the shortcut of AutoSum.

Step 1: Select cell B6. Press the excel shortcut keys “Alt+=” together.

Step 2: The SUM formula automatically appears in cell B6, as shown in the following image.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Auto Sum 1

#3–Fill the Subsequent Cell With the Fill Down

The fill downWhen you want to fill down or copy any data or formulas to the cells down below, you can use Excel fill down. While copying the data and selecting the cells, the keyboard shortcut is CTRL + D.read more property fills the present (subsequent) cell with the value or formula of the immediately preceding cell. This feature is often used while entering data in Excel.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+D” (press together) fills the immediately following cell with the data or formula of the preceding cell.

If a range of cells is selected, the content of the topmost cell is filled in the cells below. If the subsequent cell already contains a value, pressing “Ctrl+D” overwrites it.

Note 1: If the preceding cell contains a value, the fill down feature copies the same to the immediately following cell. However, if the preceding cell contains a formula, the same is copied.

Note 2: While copying a formula, the cell references may or may not change depending on the kind of references used (relative or absolute).

Note 3: The shortcut “Ctrl+D” works only for columns and not for rows. For rows, use the shortcut “Ctrl+R” (press together), which fills cells to the right.

Example

The left side of the following image shows the first and the last names in columns A and B respectively. We want to copy the first name of row 4 in row 5 with the help of the fill down excel shortcut.

Step 1: Select cell A5. Press the keys “Ctrl+D” together.

Step 2: The name “Jawahar” is copied to cell A5, as shown by the right side of the following image.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Auto Sum 2

Example

The left side of the following image shows the sales (column G) calculated by multiplying the price (column F) with the number of units (column E).

We want to calculate the sales (units=45 and price=26) for the entry in row 7. Use the fill down shortcut.

Step 1: Enter 26 as the price in cell F7. Select cell G7 and press the keys “Ctrl+D.”

Step 2: The formula of the preceding cell (G6) is copied to cell G7, as shown by the right side of the following image.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Auto Sum 3

#4–Select the Entire Row or Column

Often, there is a need to select the entire row or column in Excel.

The excel shortcut “Shift+space” (press together) selects the entire row.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Select Entire Row and Column

The shortcut “Ctrl+space” (press together) selects the entire column.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Select Entire Row and Column 2

Example

The following image shows a blank worksheet. With the help of the shortcut, we want to:

a) Select row 4 in the given worksheet

b) Select column B in the given worksheet

a) Step 1: Select any cell in row 4. Press the excel shortcut keys “Shift+space” together.

Step 2: The entire row 4 is selected, as shown in the following image.

excel short cut - shift + Space

b) Step 1: Select any cell in column B. Press the shortcut keys “Ctrl+space” together.

Step 2: The entire column B is selected, as shown in the following image. 

excel short cut - cntrl + Space fpr column

#5–Insert and Delete Row or Column

At times, we may need to insert or delete a rowTo delete a row or a set of rows from a spreadsheet, first select the row or rows you want to delete, then hit CTRL – (minus sign) as a shortcut key.read more or column.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” inserts a new row or column. The keys must be pressed together.

Prior to pressing this shortcut, select the entire row or column preceding which the insertion has to be made. For this, click the row or column label appearing at the leftmost side or on top.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+minus sign (-)” deletes an existing row or column. The keys must be pressed together.

Prior to pressing this shortcut, select the entire row or column which has to be deleted.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Delete & Add Entire Row or Column 1

Note: If the preceding shortcuts (insert or delete) are pressed by selecting a cell rather than the entire row or column, the “insert” or “delete” dialog box opens.

Example

The following image shows the number of units (column E), prices (column F), and sales (column G). With the help of the shortcut, we want to:

a) Insert a row preceding row 4

b) Delete the newly inserted row 4.

a) Step 1: Select the entire row 4 by clicking the label “4” at the leftmost side.

Step 2: Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+plus sign (+)” together.

Step 3: A row preceding row 4 is inserted, as shown in the following image. 

excel short cut - Ctrl +

b) Step 1: Click the row label to select the entire row 4.

Step 2: Press the keys “Ctrl+minus sign(-)” together.

Step 3: The newly inserted row (inserted in step 3 of the preceding solution) is deleted. The same is shown in the following image.

excel short cut - Ctrl -

#6–Insert and Edit Comment

In Excel, we may need to enter comments for a specific cell. This saves the information related to that cell and allows returning to the same, if required.

The excel shortcut “right-click+M” (press one by one) inserts a new comment on a cell.

The right-click button (menu or the context key) on the keyboard opens the context menu for the selected item. The menu key is located at the bottom, to the right side of the spacebar. It is placed between the right side “Alt” and the right side “Ctrl” key.

Prior to pressing the shortcut, it is important to select the cell in which a comment is to be inserted.

Note: Alternatively, press “Shift+F10” (press together) to open the context menu. Thereafter, press “M” to insert a comment.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Insert Comment and Edit Comment

The excel shortcut “Shift+F2” (press together) helps edit a comment.

Prior to pressing the shortcut, select the cell containing the comment to be edited.

Example

Working on the data of example #6, we want to:

a) Insert a comment on cell C2

b) Edit the comment of cell C2

Use the shortcut of inserting and editing comments.

a) Step 1: Select the cell C2. Press the menu key followed by “M.”

Step 2: A comment is inserted on cell C2, as shown in the following image.

excel short cut - Right Click + M

b) Step 1: Select the cell C2. Press the keys “Shift+F2” together.

Step 2: The cursor appears inside the comment. The comment can now be edited, as shown in the following image.

excel short cut - Shift + F2

#7–Move Between Sheets

While working in Excel, different sheets are required to be dealt with at one time. Moreover, it is tedious to click the sheet labels at the bottom of the workbook. The shortcuts help in quickly navigating through the sheets.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+page down” (press together) helps move from the currently active sheet to the next sheet.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Moves between Sheets

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+page up” (press together) helps move from the currently active sheet to the preceding sheet.

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - Moves between Sheets 1

For example, the sheet names are “sheet 1,” “sheet 2,” and “sheet 3” and the current active sheet is “sheet 2.” To go to “sheet 3,” press “Ctrl+page down.” Press “Ctrl+page up” to move to “sheet 1.”

Example

The following image shows the different data sheets of a workbook. With the help of the excel shortcut, we want to:

a) Move from the “insert comment” sheet to the “freeze rows & column” sheet

b) Move from the “freeze rows & column” sheet back to the “insert comment” sheet

a) Step 1: Press the keys “Ctrl+page down” together.

Step 2: There is a movement from “insert comment” to “freeze rows & column” sheet. The latter sheet is now the currently active sheet.

b) Step 1: Press the keys “Ctrl+page up” together.

Step 2: There is a movement from “freeze rows & column” to “insert comment” sheet. The currently active sheet now is the “insert comment” sheet.

#8–Add Filters

To add or remove filters from a dataset, select “filter” from the Data tab or the Home tab (“sort and filter” drop-down) of the Excel ribbonThe ribbon is an element of the UI (User Interface) which is seen as a strip that consists of buttons or tabs; it is available at the top of the excel sheet. This option was first introduced in the Microsoft Excel 2007.read more. However, this method is manual and takes time.

The excel shortcuts “Ctrl+Shift+L” (press together) or “Alt+D+F+F” (press one by one) add and remove filters.

Apply Filter

Apply Filter 1

Example

Working on the data of example #6, we want to insert filters on columns A, B, and C. Thereafter, remove these filters. Use the shortcut keys.

Step 1: Select cell A1. Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+L” together. Alternatively, press the keys “Alt+D+F+F” one by one.

Step 2: The filters are added to columns A, B, and C.

Step 3: Press the preceding shortcuts (pressed in step 1) again. The filters are removed.

The insertion and removal of filters are shown in the following image. 

shift + Ctrl L

#9–Freeze Rows and Columns

While working in Excel, there may be a need to freeze the first row and the first column. Once frozen, the given row and column do not move while scrolling through the remaining data.

The excel shortcut “Alt+W+F+F” (press one by one) freezes the rows and/or columns based on the current selection of cell.

To freeze the first row and the first column, select cell B2.

Note: The given shortcut freezes the rows preceding the currently selected cell. At the same time, the columns to the left of the currently selected cell are also frozen.

Example

The following image shows the username and the passwords in columns A and B respectively. We want to freeze the first row and the first column with the help of the shortcut keys.

Step 1: Select cell B2. Press the shortcut “Alt+W+F+F” one by one.

Step 2: The first row and the first column are frozen, as shown in the following image.

Alt + W + F + F

#10–Open “Format Cells” Dialog Box

The “format cells” dialog box helps format a cell or a cell range of Excel. To open this box manually, select a cell and right-click the same. Thereafter, choose the “format cells” option from the context menu.

The shortcut “Ctrl+1” (press together) opens the “format cells” dialog box.

Example

We want to open the “format cells” dialog box in an Excel worksheet with the help of the shortcut.

Step 1: In the worksheet, press “Ctrl+1” together.

Step 2: The “format cells” dialog box appears, as shown in the following image.

Ctrl + 1

#11–Adjust Column Width

To adjust the width of a columnA user can set the width of a column in an excel worksheet between 0 and 255, where one character width equals one unit. The column width for a new excel sheet is 8.43 characters, which is equal to 64 pixels.read more, one needs to double-click the column edge. This task can also be done with the help of a shortcut.

The excel shortcut “Alt+O+C+A” (press one by one) adjusts the width of the selected column.

Adjust Your Column Width

Example

The left side of the following image shows the usernames in column A. Since the width of this column has not been adjusted, some entries are exceeding its right-side border.

We want to adjust the width of column A with the help of the shortcut keys.

Step 1: Select the column (column A) whose width has to be adjusted.

Step 2: Press the shortcut keys “Alt+O+C+A” one by one.

Step 3: The column width is adjusted, as shown by the right side of the following image. Hence, all entries fit in column A.

Alt + O + C + A

#12–Repeat the Last Task

In Excel, one may need to repeat the last task or action performed. This task can be formatting, inserting a new row or column, deleting an existing row or column, and so on.

The shortcut “F4” repeats the last task, if possible.

Repeat the Last Task F4

#13–Insert Line Breaks in a Cell

While typing in a cell, there may be a need to insert a line break. The line break helps add spacing between the sentences of a cell. Once a line break is added, the user can begin a new sentence in the same cell.

The excel shortcut “Alt+Enter” (press together) inserts a line break within a cell.

Insert line breaker inside the cell

Example

The following image shows a question in cell A1. We want to insert a line break in order to type a new sentence within the same cell A1. Use the shortcut for the same.

Step 1: Double-click the cell (cell A1) within which a line break is to be inserted.

Step 2: Click at the place (after the two question marks) where the line break is to be inserted.

Step 3: Press the keys “Alt+Enter” together. The line break appears, as shown in the following image. Hence, after the spacing has been inserted, the user can begin a new sentence in cell A1.

Alt + Enter

#14–Move Between Different Workbooks

To switch between various windows, the shortcut “Alt+tab” is used. However, often while working, one needs to move from one workbook to another.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+tab” (press together) helps switch between the open workbooks.

Alt + Tab

#15–Spell-Check

Prior to submitting an Excel worksheet to seniors at the workplace, it is essential to do a quick spell-check. This lets the user know the mistakes and the corrections that should be followed presently and in the future.

The excel shortcut “F7” helps perform a spell-check of the currently active worksheet.

Spell Check F7

Example

The following image shows the usernames in column A. We want to run a spell-check on this worksheet with the help of the shortcut.

Step 1: Press the shortcut “F7.”

Step 2: The “spelling” dialog box appears, as shown in the following image. Hence, the spellings of column A can be corrected by matching them against the suggestions.

F7

#16–Move Between Worksheet and Excel VBA Editor

While working with macros, one needs to move between the VBA editorThe Visual Basic for Applications Editor is a scripting interface. These scripts are primarily responsible for the creation and execution of macros in Microsoft software.read more and the Excel worksheet.

The excel shortcut “Alt+F11” helps switch between the VBA editor and the worksheet.

#17–Select a Cell Range  

Selecting the cell ranges of Excel can be a time-consuming task, if done manually.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+arrow keys” selects the cell ranges of Excel.

Note: The selection of cells, in the same row or column as the currently active cell, is carried out till the last non-blank cell. However, if the following cell (in the same row or column as the currently active cell) is blank, the selection is carried out till the next non-blank cell.

select the set of range

Example

The following image shows the usernames, passwords, designations, titles, and first names in columns A, B, C, D, and E respectively. We want to select the range A1:E100 with the help of the shortcut.

Step 1: Select cell A1. Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+right arrow” to select till cell E1.

Step 2: Press the keys “Ctrl+Shift+down arrow” to select till cell E100.

Step 3: The range A1:E100 is selected, as shown in the following image.

excel shortcut - Shift + Cntrl + Right Arrow + Down Arrow

#18–Select the Last Non-Blank Cell of a Row or Column

Beginning from cell A1, one may need to go to the last cell of column A. This requires manual scrolling, which is a difficult task, particularly when working with large datasets.

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+down arrow” (press together) helps the user go to the last non-blank cell of the current column (column of the active cell).

TOP 20 excel shortcuts - To go to last cell of the Row or Column

The excel shortcut “Ctrl+right arrow” (press together) helps the user go to the last non-blank cell of the current row (row of the active cell).

To go to last cell of the Column 1

Note: In case the cell immediately following the active cell is blank, the next non-blank cell is selected.

Example

The following table shows the usernames and passwords in columns A and B respectively. We want to go to the cell A100, which is the last non-blank cell of column A. Use the shortcut keys.

Step 1: Select cell A1. Press the keys “Ctrl+down arrow” together.

Step 2: The last cell (A100) of the dataset is selected, as shown in the following image.

shortcut - Ctrl + Down Arrow

#19–Delete the Active Sheet

To delete a sheet manually, one can right-click the sheet name and select “delete.” Alternatively, the shortcut helps do the same quickly.

The excel shortcut “Alt+E+L” (press one by one) deletes the currently active sheet.

Once the given shortcut is pressed, a message appears stating that the data of the worksheet will be permanently deleted. Click “delete” to delete the sheet, otherwise press “cancel.”

Delete the Active Sheet

#20–Insert a New Sheet

Often, new sheets are required to be added to the workbook. It is possible to insert a new sheet with a single click.

The excel shortcut “Shift+F11 (press together) inserts a new sheet in the current workbook.

shift F11 Insert new sheet

The excel shortcut “F11” inserts a chart sheet in which a chart can be created by selecting a data range.

F11 - Insert a chart

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Excel shortcuts and how to use them?

An Excel shortcut helps perform a manual task in a faster way. With the application of shortcuts, the user saves time and improves the productivity. This saved time can be used for focusing on other projects of a job role.

The list of Excel shortcuts is a large one. There are shortcuts for entering, formatting, deleting, and selecting data. So, it is not possible to learn all the shortcuts. However, knowing the regularly used ones is essential.

To use an Excel shortcut, press the particular keys on the keyboard. But, prior to using it, one must know whether to press the keys simultaneously or one by one. This is because each shortcut works in a specific way.

2. What are the basic Excel shortcuts and how to learn them?

The basic Excel shortcuts are listed as follows:

Ctrl+S: It saves a workbook.
Ctrl+A: It selects the entire worksheet.
Ctrl+B: It makes the content of the selected cells bold.
Ctrl+C: It copies the selected cell.
Ctrl+I: It italicizes the content of the selected cell.
Ctrl+P: It opens the “print” dialog box.
Ctrl+X: It cuts the content of the selected cell.
Ctrl+V: It pastes in the currently selected cell.
Ctrl+Z: It undoes the last action.

Excel shortcuts can be learned with regular usage and practice. The more you practice working on Excel, the more habitual you will become. In this way, you can learn gradually.

Note: The keys of all the preceding shortcuts should be pressed simultaneously.

3. How to work with Excel formulas by way of shortcuts?

The “tab” key is an important shortcut used for auto-completing the name of the function. For instance, to enter the CONCATENATE function in a cell, type “=CON” and press the “tab” key. The CONCATENATE function is automatically selected.

With the “F4” key, one can toggle between the relative, absolute, and mixed references. Double-click the formula cell and press “F4” to change the type of reference.

Likewise, different keyboard keys have different functions. By applying shortcuts to Excel formulas, one can simplify working with calculations.

Recommended Articles

This has been a guide to the top 20 keyboard shortcuts in Excel. Here we discuss the working of keyboard shortcuts and how to use these Excel shortcuts to save your time. You may learn more about Excel from the following articles-

  • Excel Insert Shortcuts
  • Using Excel Shortcuts to Select Row
  • Add Rows in Excel Shortcuts
  • Programming in Excel

7 great keyboard shortcuts for selecting cells quickly.

  1. Shift + Arrow Keys – Expands the selected range in the direction of the arrow key.
  2. Shift + Spacebar – Selects the entire row or rows of the selected range.
  3. Ctrl + Spacebar – Selects the entire column or columns of the selected range.
  4. F8 – Enters the extend selection mode. Press F8 again to exit the mode.
  5. Shift + F8 – Enters the add selection mode. Press Shift + F8 again to exit the mode.
  6. Ctrl + G – Opens the Go To window to select a range or range name.
  7. Ctrl + A – Selects the entire worksheet.

About the Author

John MacDougall

John is a Microsoft MVP and qualified actuary with over 15 years of experience. He has worked in a variety of industries, including insurance, ad tech, and most recently Power Platform consulting. He is a keen problem solver and has a passion for using technology to make businesses more efficient.

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Basic | Moving | Selecting | Formulas | Formatting | Workbook

Keyboard shortcuts allow you to do things with your keyboard instead of your mouse to increase your speed.

Basic

Select cell B2.

Basic Example

1. To select the entire range, press CTRL + a (if you press CTRL + a one more time Excel selects the entire sheet).

CTRL + a

2. To copy the range, press CTRL + c (to cut a range, press CTRL + x).

3. Select cell A6 and press CTRL + v to paste this range.

CTRL + v

4. To undo this operation, press CTRL + z

Moving

Select cell B2.

Moving Example

1. To quickly move to the bottom of the range, hold down CTRL and press ↓

CTRL + down

2. To quickly move to the right of the range, hold down CTRL and press →

CTRL + right

Try it yourself. Hold down CTRL and press the arrow keys to move from edge to edge.

Selecting

Select cell A1.

Selecting Example

1. To select cells while moving down, hold down SHIFT and press ↓ a few times.

Shift + down

2. To select cells while moving to the right, hold down SHIFT and press → a few times.

Shift + right

3. Select cell A1 below (Sheet2).

Select Cell

4. To quickly select a column of data, press CTRL + SHIFT + ↓

Select Column of Data

Note: use CTRL + SHIFT + → to quickly select a row of data.

Formulas

Select cell F2.

Formulas Example

1. To quickly insert the SUM function, press ATL + =, and press Enter.

Atl + =

2. Select cell F2, hold down SHIFT and press ↓ two times.

Shift + down

3. To fill a formula down, press CTRL + d (down).

CTRL + d

Note: in a similar way, you can fill a formula right by pressing CTRL + r (right).

Formatting

Select the range B2:F4.

Formatting Example

1. To launch the ‘Format cells’ dialog box, press CTRL + 1

2. Press TAB and press ↓ two times to select the Currency format.

3. Press TAB and press ↓ two times to set the number of decimal places to 0.

Format Cells dialog box

4. Press Enter.

Result:

CTRL + 1

5. To quickly bold a range, select the range and press CTRL + b

Workbook

Open a workbook. A workbook is another word for your Excel file.

1. To save an existing workbook, press CTRL + s (F12 opens the Save As dialog box).

2. To create a new workbook, press CTRL + n

3. To open an existing workbook, press CTRL + o

4. To close the active workbook, press CTRL + w

5. To close Excel (and many other applications), press ALT + F4

The workbook below has 3 worksheets. Click Sheet2 to make it the active sheet.

Workbook Shortcut Keys

6. To quickly move to the next worksheet (Sheet3), press CTRL + Page Down.

7. To quickly move to the previous worksheet (Sheet1), press CTRL + Page Up.

If you are using Microsoft Excel in your daily life, you can use excel shortcuts to save time. While preparing any report or dashboard, if we use shortcut keys then the task would be completed in less time than expected.

Some of the best Excel shortcuts keys which are most essential are mentioned below. They will make the work of creating charts, formatting workbooks and analyzing data really easy and comfortable for the excel users.

In Excel we have so many shortcut keys in which few Excel key shortcuts we use regularly e.g. Ctrl+C  is Excel copy shortcuts, Ctrl+V is Excel paste shortcuts etc.

Below are the few Excel 2010, Excel 2013 shortcuts keys

Tab Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet
SHIFT+TAB Moves to the previous cell in a worksheet.
CTRL+TAB Switches to the next tab in dialog box.
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB Switches to the previous tab in a dialog box.
CTRL+1 Displays the Format Cells dialog box.
CTRL+SHIFT+L This is Excel filter keyboard shortcuts, use for filtering a column. E.g. If you have to set a couple of filters, and you already have filters placed in your data, instead of clearing each filter which is time-consuming, just turn-off and turn-on the filters, by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+L twice and your work is done.
CTRL+Arrow keys To select a group of cells. Eg. it is difficult when you have to deal with large data and use the mouse to navigate the database.  So to make your work easier, just rely on CTRL + arrow key combinations all the time to select a group of cells.
ALT+ES – Paste Special > Values Pasting the value.E.g. When we apply any formula and want only the values to be shown in the cells, we need to use copy and then paste special values. If we need to get data from other workbooks or need to format  existing tables, we can use ALT+ES (press E then leave the key and press S) to paste special value.
F4 Repeat the last command or action. E.g. If the color of text in a particular cell is changed, you can repeat the command by just pressing F4. This key can be used to repeat any action that was last performed provided the file is still open.
F2 Edit a selected cell. You can use F2 to edit a cell or formula in a cell.
Ctrl + F3 Add name for any range. E.g. If you are making a dashboard or Excel model, just press Shift + F3, no matter where you are (formula editing, conditional formatting, data validation etc.) and you get a list of all the defined names. Pick one and press ok to add it to the formula you are typing.
CTRL+K Add Hyperlink. E.g. If you have more than a one sheet, Hyperlinks make your work book accessible and save your time. You can directly link the pages to one another using so that the sheets are accessible on a single click of the hyperlink.
CTRL+T – Insert Table. E.g. If you have selected any cell in a range of related data just press CTRL+T to make it a table.
CTRL+S – Save the sheet.
Ctrl + R Fills the range to the right of the data
Ctrl + D Fills range down word
Ctrl+W Close a particular work book
F9 Refresh the sheets’ formula
Ctrl+PageDown/PageUp Navigate sheets within the workbook
Ctrl+shift+1 Applies the Number format for two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values.
Alt F11 Opens VBA editor
Ctrl F6 Switches to the next workbook window.
Ctrl ~ Change the cell value as general
Ctrl + spacebar Select a particular column
Shift + spacebar Select a particular row
Ctrl + Shift + spacebar Select entire sheet
ALT + = Auto sum for a column. E.g. When you have entered some data in a column and at the end of the column you need the summation of the column you can simply use ALT + = to save your time.
Ctrl + B Applies and removes bold format.
F5 A Go-to window will open which allows you to go to a particular cell based on the reference provided.


Applies the border of the cell.

Ctrl + Shift + &

To select cells from any cell to the last cell in the sheet using range in Excel + 2010/2013

In Microsoft Excel, there are times when we require selecting a lot of data at once. To select this data, we have to follow the simple tips given below:

We need to select all the excel cell data value below in cell A7

    • Place your mouse at A7 and click to activate it

image1

  • Now press and hold Shift + Ctrl and it will select the entire cells below A7 which has a value in it.

image2

Now for selecting all of the excel cells which have value above the Cell A7

    • Place your mouse at A7 and click to activate it
    • Press and hold Shift + Ctrl and home key at once

image3

    • It will only select cells A7 to A1, after this, if we wish to select the cell ranges to the right of A7, then, we need to click at the end of the cell (which has value) of row 7. To achieve this, we need to Press and hold Shift + Ctrl and Home key at once.

image4

  • Do not select the header and just click on the excel range horizontally to select the data as required.

Image5

If you want to extend the selection below row 7, then you can press the down arrow key along with Ctrl + Shift.

E.g.:-  It is difficult when you have to deal with large data and use the mouse to navigate the database. So to make your work easier just rely on CTRL + arrow key combinations all the time to select a group of cells.

Ctrl + Shift + &

image 48

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There is no shortcut to success. Well.. there is when it comes to Excel.

If you want to be a lot more efficient in using Excel, I recommend you learn about some of the shortcuts and start using them as a part of your daily work.

You don’t need to know all the shortcuts (of course!), but it would be a big time saver to learn some to-do things you need to do daily/weekly.

Here is a list of 200+ Excel Keyboard Shortcuts that will save you tons of time.

Workbook Related Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut Mac Shortcut
Create a new blank Workbook Ctrl + N ⌘ + N
Displays the Open Dialog box to Open/Find a file Ctrl + O ⌘ + O
Saves the Workbook with its current file name, location, and file type Ctrl + S ⌘ + S
Opens the Save As dialog box F12 ⌘ + ⇧ + S
Opens the Print Preview Window Ctrl + F2 ⌘ + P
Maximize or Restore Selected Workbook Window Ctrl + F10
Minimize Workbook Ctrl + F9
Switch to the Next Workbook Ctrl + Tab
Switch to the Previous Workbook Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Close Current Workbook ALT + F4

Excel Cell Editing Shortcut

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Edit Active Cell F2
Start a New Line in the Same Cell ALT + ENTER
Select One Character on the Right of the Cursor SHIFT →
Select One Character on the Left of the Cursor SHIFT ←
Jump one Word on the Right of the Cursor Ctrl →
Jump one Word on the Left of the Cursor Ctrl ←
Select one Word on the Right of the Cursor Ctrl Shift →
Select one Word on the Left of the Cursor Ctrl Shift ←
Delete One Character on the Left of the Cursor Backspace
Delete One Character on the Right of the Cursor Delete
Delete to the End of the line (from the cursor) Ctrl + Delete
Cancel Entry Esc

Navigation Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Move One Cell Up
Move One Cell Down
Move One Cell to the Right
Move One Cell to the Left
Down One Screen PageDown
Up One Screen PageUp
Move One Screen to the Right Alt + PageDown
Move One Screen to the Left Alt + PageUp
Move to the Right Edge of the Data Region Ctrl →
Move to the Left Edge of Data Region Ctrl ←
Move to the Bottom edge of the data region Ctrl ↓
Move to the Top Edge of Data Region Ctrl ↑
Move to the Bottom-right used Cell in the Worksheet Ctrl + End
Go to the First Cell in the Current Region Ctrl + Home
Move to the Beginning of the Row Home
Move to Next Worksheet Ctrl + PageDown
Move to the Previous Worksheet Ctrl + PageUp

General Excel Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Opens Help F1
Repeats the last command or action Ctrl + Y
Repeats the Last Action F4
Undo Ctrl + Z
Spell Check F7
Apply Data Filter Ctrl + Shift + L
Activate Filter (when the cell with filter is selected) Alt + ↓
Display Go To Dialog Box F5
Display Go To Dialog Box Ctrl + G
Recalculate All Workbooks F9
Calculate Active Worksheet Shift + F9
Display the Print Menu Ctrl + P
Turn On End Mode End

Cut, Copy, and Paste Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Copy Selected Cells Ctrl + C
Cut Selected Cells Ctrl + X
Paste Content from the Clipboard Ctrl + V
Copy Formula from the Cell Above Ctrl + ‘
Copy Value from the Cell Above Ctrl + SHIFT + ‘
Display Paste Special Dialog Box Ctrl + Alt + V

Data Entry Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Enter and Move Down Enter
Enter and Remain on the Same Cell Control + Enter
Enter and Move Up Shift + Enter
Enter and Move right Tab
Enter and Move Left Shift + Tab
Enter Same Data in All Selected Cells Control + Enter
Display AutoComplete list Alt + ↓
Fill Down Ctrl + D
Fill Right Ctrl + R
Insert Current Date Ctrl + ;
Insert Current Time Ctrl + Shift + ;
Start a New Line in the Same Cell Alt + Enter
Cancel Cell Entry ESC

Clear Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Clear Everything Alt + H + E + A
Clear Formats Only Alt + H + E + F
Clear Content Only Alt + H + E + C
Clear Hyperlinks Only Alt + H + E + L
Clear Comments Only Alt + H + E + M

Selection Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Select the Current Region / Select All Ctrl + A
Select Visible Cells in the Current Region Alt + ;
Select the Current Region Around the Active Cell Ctrl + Shift + *
Select Entire Row Shift + Space
Select Entire Column Ctrl + Space
Select All Cells that Contain Comments Ctrl + Shift + O
Select Row Differences Ctrl +
Select Column Differences Ctrl + Shift + |
Select Direct Precedents Ctrl + [
Select all Precedents Ctrl + Shift + {
Select Direct Dependents Ctrl + ]
Select all Dependents Ctrl + Shift + }

Extending the Selection Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Extend Selection to the Right by One Cell Shift + →
Extend Selection to the Left by One Cell Shift + ←
Extend Selection Upwards by One Cell Shift + ↑
Extend Selection Downwards by One Cell Shift + ↓
Extend the Selection to the Right till the Last Cell Ctrl + Shift + →
Extend the Selection to the Left till the Last Cell Ctrl + Shift + ←
Extend the Selection Upwards to the Last Cell Ctrl + Shift + ↑
Extend Selection Upwards by One Screen Shift + PageUp
Extend Selection Downwards by One Screen Shift + PageDown
Extend Selection to the Right by One Screen ALT + Shift + PageUp
Extend Selection to the Left by One Screen ALT + Shift + PageDown
Extend Selection to the Start of the Row Shift + Home
Extend Selection to First Cell in the Worksheet Ctrl + Shift + Home
Extend Selection to the Last Cell in the Worksheet Ctrl + Shift + End
Toggle Extend Selection Mode F8

Alignment Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Align Content to the Center of the Cell Alt + H + A + C
Align Content to the Left of the Cell Alt + H + A + L
Align Content to the Right of the Cell Alt + H + A + R
Align Content to the Middle of the Cell Alt + H + A + M

Hide/Unhide (Rows, Columns, Objects) Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Hide Selected Rows Ctrl + 9
Hide Selected Columns Ctrl + 0
Unhide Hidden Rows in Selection Ctrl + Shift + 9
Unhide Hidden Columns in Selection Ctrl + Shift + 0
Show/Hide Objects Ctrl + 6

Insert Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Insert New Line in the Same Cell Alt + Enter
Insert New Worksheet Shift + F11
Insert Row/Cell (shows a dialog box) Ctrl + Shift + =
Insert Current Date Ctrl + ;
Insert Current Time Ctrl + Shift + ;
Insert Table Ctrl + T
Insert Hyperlink Ctrl + K
Insert Argument Names into Formula Ctrl + Shift + A
Insert/Edit Cell Comment Shift + F2
Delete Row/Cell (shows the dialog box) Ctrl –

Formatting Shortcuts in Excel

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Make Text Bold Ctrl + B
Make Text Italics Ctrl + I
Place outline Border around the Selected Cells Ctrl + Shift + 7
Remove Outline Border Ctrl + Shift + _
Underline Text Ctrl + U
Apply Strikethrough Format Ctrl + 5
Apply Indent Alt H 6
Remove Indent Alt H 5
Increase Font Size by One Step Alt H F G
Decrease Font Size by One Step Alt H F K
Apply the Number format with Two Decimal Places, Thousands Separator, and a Minus Sign for Negative Values Ctrl + Shift + !
Apply the Date format with the Day, Month, and Year Ctrl + Shift + #
Apply the Currency Format with Two Decimal Places Ctrl + Shift + $
Apply the Percentage Format with No Decimal Places Ctrl + Shift + %
Apply the Time format with the Hour and Minute, and indicate AM or PM Ctrl + Shift + @
Apply the General Number Format Ctrl + Shift + ~
Apply the Exponential Format Ctrl + Shift + ^
Displays the Format Style Dialog Box Alt + ‘
Displays the Format Cells Dialog Box Ctrl + 1
Displays the Font Dialog Box Shift + Ctrl + F

Excel Formula-Related Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Insert Autosum Formula Alt + =
While Typing a Formula, Switches Cell Reference from Absolute to Relative F4
Expand/Collapse Formula Bar Ctrl + Shift + U
Display the Insert Function Dialog Box Shift + F3
Enter a Formula as an Array Formula Ctrl + Shift + Enter
Evaluate Part of the Formula F9
Select the Array Containing the Active Cell CTRL + /
Select All Cells Directly or Indirectly Referenced by Formulas in the Selection CTRL + [
Select Cells that Contain Formulas that Directly or Indirectly Reference the Active Cell CTRL + ]
Toggle Value/Formula display Ctrl + `
Rechecks dependent formulas and then calculates all cells in all the open workbooks Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F9

Find and Replace Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Display Find and Replace Dialog Box (Find Selected) Ctrl + F
Display Find and Replace Dialog Box (Replace Selected) Ctrl + H
Find Next Match Shift + F4
Find the Previous Match Ctrl + Shift + F4

Conditional Formatting Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Open Conditional Formatting Dialog Box Alt O D
Clear Conditional from Selected Cells Alt H L C S
Clear Conditional from the Entire Worksheet Alt H L C E

Charting Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Inserts Chart in the Worksheet (using the selected data) Alt + F1
Inserts a ChartSheet with a Chart (using the selected data) F11

Drag (Mouse) Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Drag and Copy the selected cells Ctrl + Drag
Drag and Cut the selected cells Drag
Duplicate Worksheet Ctrl + Drag
Switch Position of Cells/Rows/Columns Shift + Drag

Named Ranges Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Get a List of All Defined Named Ranges F3
Create Named Range from Selection Ctrl + Shift + F3
Define Name Dialog Box Ctrl + F3

Pivot Table Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Display Insert Pivot Table Dialog Box Alt + N + V
Open Pivot Table Wizard Alt + D + P
Select Entire Pivot Table (excluding Report Filters) Ctrl + A
Add/Remove Checkmark for Selected Field in PivotTable Field List Space
Group Selected Pivot Table Items Alt + Shift + →
UnGroup Pivot Table Items Alt + Shift + ←
Select the Next Item in PivotTable Field List or Items List
Select a Previous Item in PivotTable Field List or Items List
Select Last Visible Item in List End
Select First Visible Item in List Home
Open Field List for Active Cell Alt + ↓
Hide Selected Item or Field Ctrl + –
Opens Calculated Field dialog box (when the data field is selected) Shift + Ctrl + =
Opens Calculated Item Dialog box (when field heading cell is Selected) Shift + Ctrl + =

Others Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Restore Window Size Ctrl + F5
Move Window Ctrl + F7
Resize Window Ctrl + F8
Previous Window Ctrl + Shift + F6
Next Pane F6
Previous Pane F8
Extend Mode Shift + F10
Display Shortcut Menu Shift + F6
Turns On the Add to Selection Mode Shift + F8

VBA Shortcuts

What it Does? Windows Shortcut
Opes the VBA Editor and also switches between Excel Worksheet and the VBA editor Alt + F11
Open VB Help F1
View Object Browser F2
View Properties F4
View Code window F7
View Immediate window Ctrl + G
View Shortcut Menu Shift + F10
Run a Sub/UserForm F5
Step Into the code F8
Step Over Shift + F8
Step Out Ctrl + Shift + F8
Run to Cursor Ctrl + F8
Toggle Breakpoint F9
Clear All Breakpoints Ctrl + F9
Close VBA Editor and Return to the Excel Worksheet Alt + Q

Useful Excel Resources:

  • 20 Excel Keyboard Shortcuts that Will Impress Your Boss.
  • 100+ Excel Interview Questions + Answers.
  • Excel Functions (Videos + Examples).
  • Free Excel Templates.
  • Free Online Excel Training.
  • 20 Advanced Excel Functions and Formulas (for Excel Pros)
  • 10 Excel Pivot Table Keyboard Shortcuts

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