Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel (A Complete Guideline)

While working in Microsoft Excel, we often need to work with keyboard shortcuts to make things easier and more comfortable. But little do we know that it has around 20 types of categories to apply different types of keyboard shortcuts for different reasons. Therefore, in this article, we will provide a complete guideline on Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel.

How to Read

• When shortcut keys are pressed simultaneously, they are shown like this:

Ctrl + P

It means press Ctrl and P together.

• When keys are pressed one after another, then the shortcut command is expressed like this:

Alt + H, A, C

It means press Alt and H together, then release those keys and press A, then C.

20 Useful Categories of Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel

Following this section, we will go through 20 different categories that will cover different features of Excel and the keyboard shortcuts associated with them.

1. General Keyboard Shortcuts

Let’s begin this tutorial with some general keyboard shortcuts that we need to know to use Microsoft Excel.

1.1 Open Help: F1

Open the Help panel by pressing F1 on your keyboard and eventually you will get it on the right side of your worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + / as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.2 Undo Last Action: Ctrl + Z

In this example, initially, we deleted Column D and now will return it by pressing Ctrl + Z on the keyboard. Apply the same to undo any kind of last action in Excel.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Z as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.3 Redo Last Action: Ctrl + Y

In this case, delete Column D again by pressing Ctrl + Y.  Apply the same to redo any kind of last action in Excel.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Y

1.4 Copy Selected Cells: Ctrl + C

Press Ctrl + C after selecting any number of cells to copy them from your worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + C as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.5 Cut Selected Cells: Ctrl + X

To permanently cut the selected cell from the worksheet, press Ctrl + X on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + X keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.6 Paste Content from Clipboard: Ctrl + V

After copying cells from the worksheet, paste it with the command Ctrl + V anywhere in your workbook.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + V as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.7 Repeat Last Action: F4

To repeat your last command or action in the active worksheet, press F4 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Y as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.8 Display Paste Special Dialog Box: Ctrl + Alt + V

To access the Paste Special dialogue box easily, press Ctrl + Alt + V on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Command (⌘) + V as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.9 Display Find and Replace: Ctrl + F

To open the Find and Replace dialogue box, press Ctrl + F on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + F as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.10 Display Find and Replace, Replace Selected: Ctrl + H

If you want to open the Replace tab on Find and Replace directly, press Ctrl + H on your keyboard to access it.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + H as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.11 Create Embedded Chart: Alt + F1

Press Alt + F1 to create a bar chart embedded with the source dataset.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Option/Alt (⌥) + F1 as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.12 Create Chart in New Worksheet: F11

If you need your embedded chart in another sheet, then press F11 on your keyboard to create it.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + F11 as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

1.13 Toggle AutoFilter: Ctrl + Shift + L

Press Ctrl + Shift + L on your keyboard and access the auto filter instantly.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + F

1.14 Activate Filter: Alt + ↓

To activate the filter list for each column, press Alt + ↓ on your keyboard and it will eventually generate the list below.

Note: For Mac Users, press Option/Alt (⌥) + ↓

1.15 Insert Table: Ctrl + T

To create a table from the source dataset, first, select the cells and then press Ctrl + T to create the table.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + T

1.16 Select Table Row: Shift + Space

After creating the table, select the entire row of any selected cell by pressing Shift + Space on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Space

1.17 Select Table Column: Ctrl + Space

Apart from rows, you can also select the columns of your table by pressing Ctrl + Space on your keyboard. Remember to keep the active cell inside the table.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Space

1.18 Select Table (when active cell is in table): Ctrl + A

Press Ctrl + A to select the whole table keeping the active cell inside the table.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + A

2.   Keyboard Shortcuts for Excel Workbook

In this section, we will describe multiple keyboard shortcuts to access and use an Excel workbook.

2.1 Create New Workbook in Windows: Ctrl + N

Press Ctrl + N on your keyboard to open a new Excel workbook alongside the old one.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + N

2.2 Open Workbook: Ctrl + O

Press Ctrl + O buttons on your keyboard and eventually you will be directed to the Open section. Here, you can choose your required file to open.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + O

2.3 Save Workbook: Ctrl + S

Apply this command to open the Save this file window. Then, insert the File name > Choose a Location > Save it.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + S

2.4 Save As: F12

Use this command to open the Save As window. Then, insert File name > determine the file type in Save as type > Save the workbook.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + N

2.5 Go to Next Workbook: Ctrl + Tab

When multiple workbooks are open, press Ctrl + Tab on the keyboard and you will be directed to the immediate next workbook from the active one.

2.6 Go to Previous Workbook: Ctrl + Shift + Tab

When you need to go backward from the active workbook to the previous one, then press Ctrl + Shift + Tab on your keyboard.

2.7 Minimize Current Workbook Window: Ctrl + F9

For ease of work, minimize your active workbook window by pressing Ctrl + F9.

2.8 Maximize Current Workbook Window: Ctrl + F10

To get the workbook window visible again, press Ctrl + F10 to maximize it.

2.9 Protect Workbook: Alt + R, P, W

First, press Alt, and then keeping that action press R, P, and W one by one to open the Protect Structure window. Here, insert the password to protect your workbook and then press OK.

2.10 Close Current Workbook: Ctrl + F4

To close the active workbook, simply press Ctrl + F4 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + W

2.11 Close Excel: Alt + F4

If you want to close all opened workbooks, simply press Alt + F4 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Q

3.   Keyboard Shortcuts for Excel Worksheet

In this section, we will describe multiple keyboard shortcuts for an Excel worksheet.

3.1 Insert New Worksheet: Shift + F11

Press Shift + F11 to get a new worksheet beside the old one in your Excel workbook.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + F11

3.2 Go to the Next Worksheet: Ctrl + PgDn

Go to the next worksheet from an active worksheet in the same workbook by pressing Ctrl + PgDn.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + ↓

3.3 Go to the Previous Worksheet: Ctrl + PgUp

Go to the previous worksheet from an active worksheet in the same workbook by pressing Ctrl + PgUp.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + ↑

3.4 Rename Current Worksheet: Alt + O, H, R

To rename your current worksheet, press Alt + O, H, R on your keyboard and change the worksheet name according to your preference.

3.5 Delete Current Worksheet: Alt + E, L

Press Alt + E, L to delete the active worksheet in your workbook.

3.6 Display Move or Copy: Alt + E, M

To show the Move or Copy dialogue box and apply your preferred selection, press the Alt + E, M keyboard shortcut.

3.7 Select Adjacent Worksheets: Ctrl + Shift + PgUp/PgDn

To select two adjacent worksheets simultaneously, apply the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + PgUp/PgDn.

3.8 Select Non-Adjacent Worksheets: Ctrl + Click

Incase of non-adjacent worksheets, press Ctrl while staying on the active worksheet, and then put the cursor over the other worksheet and Right-Click on it.

3.9 Toggle Full-Screen: Ctrl + Shift + F1

To get your workbook in full-screen mode, press Ctrl + Shift + F1 as the keyboard shortcut.

3.10 Print: Ctrl + P

Apply the Print command by pressing Ctrl + P on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + P

3.11 Open Print Preview Window: Ctrl + F2

If you need to see the output as a preview before the final print, simply press Ctrl + F2 and you will get it just beside the Printer section.

3.12 Set Print Area: Alt + P, R, S

To specify the printing area of your worksheet, press Alt + P, R, S on your keyboard and it will create a grey rectangle surrounding the selected area.

3.13 Clear Print Area: Alt + P, R, C

To omit the specified print area and get back to normal mode, apply the keyboard shortcut Alt + P, R, C.

3.14 Zoom In: Ctrl + Mouse Wheel Up

Press the Ctrl button and then scroll the wheel up of the mouse to get a larger view of the worksheet.

3.15 Zoom Out: Ctrl + Mouse Wheel Down

Press the Ctrl button and then scroll the wheel down of the mouse to get a smaller view of the worksheet.

3.16 Protect Sheet: Alt + R, P, S

To open the Protect Sheet dialogue box, press the buttons Alt + R, P, S. Afterward, you can apply a password to protect the sheet. You can also choose multiple options for viewers’ access to this worksheet.

4.   Excel Ribbon Shortcuts

Here are some quick shortcuts to use in Excel Ribbon.

4.1 Expand or Collapse Ribbon: Ctrl + F1

To expand or collapse Excel ribbon bar, press Ctrl + F1 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + R

4.2 Activate Access Keys: Alt

Press Alt to turn on access keys for the whole ribbon. It will eventually show alphabetical shortcuts to apply further.

4.3 Move Through Ribbon Tabs and Groups: Alt + → ← ↑ ↓

To surf over different tabs, press the Alt key first and then press any directional arrows (→ ← ↑ ↓) according to your requirement. You may also use the Alt + Tab keyboard shortcut.

Note: For Mac Users, press Tab.

5. Drag and Drop Shortcuts

These drag-and-drop keyboard shortcuts are only used after selecting any single cell or multiple cells in the worksheet. Here, Drag is a four-headed arrow icon.

5.1 Drag and Cut: Drag

If you want to cut and paste any cell value, then simply select the cell and put the cursor on the cell’s edge. As a result, it will show the Drag icon. Now, holding it, move to anywhere on the worksheet where you want to paste the value and release the mouse click.

Note: For Mac Users, press Drag.

5.2 Drag and Copy: Ctrl + Drag

To keep the original cell value and copy it somewhere else, apply the shortcut Ctrl + Drag.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Drag.

5.3 Drag and Insert: Shift + Drag

If you need to exchange and insert cell values, press Shift + Drag to do the action.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Drag.

5.4 Drag and Insert Copy: Ctrl + Shift + Drag

When you press Ctrl + Shift + Drag to select any cell, it will be placed in the specified location dragging the rest of the cell values downwards.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + Drag.

5.5 Drag to Worksheet: Alt + Drag

To drag a cell value to another worksheet, apply the shortcut Alt + Drag.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Drag.

5.6 Drag to Duplicate Worksheet: Ctrl + Drag

To drag value to a duplicate worksheet, press Ctrl + Drag to perform the action.

Note: For Mac Users, press Option/Alt (⌥) + Drag.

6. Navigation Shortcuts

To navigate among cells, worksheets, or workbooks, use these keyboard shortcuts.

6.1 Move One Cell Right: →

Press the Right Arrow (→) button to move one cell right.

Note: For Mac Users, press →.

6.2 Move One Cell Left: ←

Press the Left Arrow (←) button to move one cell left.

Note: For Mac Users, press ←.

6.3 Move One Cell Up: ↑

Press the Up Arrow (↑) button to move one cell up.

Note: For Mac Users, press ↑.

6.4 Move One Cell Down: ↓

Press the Down Arrow (↓) button to move one cell up.

Note: For Mac Users, press ↓.

6.5 Move One Screen Right: Alt + PgDn

To swipe through each screen of your workbook to the right way, press Alt + PgDn.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↓

6.6 Move One Screen Left: Alt + PgUp

To swipe through each screen of your workbook to the left way, press Alt + PgUp.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↑

6.7 Move One Screen Up: PgUp

To swipe upward through each screen of your workbook, press PgUp.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + ↑

6.8 Move One Screen Down: PgDn

To swipe downward through each screen of your workbook, press PgDn.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + ↓

6.9 Move to Right Edge of Data Region: Ctrl + →

To move to the rightmost cell of your dataset of the same row, press Ctrl + → on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + →

6.10 Move to Left Edge of Data Region: Ctrl + ←

To move to the leftmost cell of your dataset of the same row, press Ctrl + ← on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ←

6.11 Move to Top Edge of Data Region: Ctrl + ↑

To move to the topmost cell of your dataset of the same column, press Ctrl + ↑ on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ↑

6.12 Move to Bottom Edge of Data Region: Ctrl + ↓

To move to the bottom edge cell of your dataset of the same column, press Ctrl + ↓ on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ↓

6.13 Move to Beginning of Row: Home

To move to the beginning of the same row, press Home on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + ←

6.14 Move to Last Cell in Worksheet that Contains Data: Ctrl + End

Press Ctrl + End to jump to the last cell of data in your worksheet. It’s mostly helpful for large datasets.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + →

6.15 Move to First Cell in Worksheet: Ctrl + Home

To move to the first cell from any cell inside the worksheet, press Ctrl + Home on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + ←

6.16 Turn End Mode On: End

Press the End button on your keyboard to turn the End Mode on.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + →

7. Selection Shortcuts

Apply the following shortcuts for different types of selection preferences on your worksheet.

7.1 Select Entire Row: Shift + Space

Press Shift + Space to select the entire row of the active cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Space

7.2 Select Entire Column: Ctrl + Space

Similarly, you can select the entire column of the active cell by pressing Ctrl + Space.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Space

7.3 Select Entire Worksheet: Ctrl + A

If you want to apply any settings for every cell of the worksheet, then you can simply press Ctrl + A to select the whole worksheet and apply your preference settings.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Space

7.4 Add Adjacent Cells to Selection: Shift + Click

Press Shift + Click to select cells that are adjacent to each other.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Space

7.5 Add Non-Adjacent Cells to Selection: Ctrl + Click

If you need to select cells that are distant from each other but you need to select them simultaneously, then press Ctrl + Click for each cell and apply your action.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Space

7.6 Move Right Between Non-Adjacent Selections: Ctrl + Alt + →

After selecting non-adjacent cells, press Ctrl + Alt + → to move the right way to the selections.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Option/Alt (⌥) + →

7.7 Move Left Between Non-Adjacent Selections: Ctrl + Alt + ←

Similarly, after selecting non-adjacent cells, press Ctrl + Alt + ← to move the right way to the selections.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Option/Alt (⌥) +  ←

7.8 Toggle Add to Selection Mode: Shift + F8

Turn on the Add or Remove Selection mode for your worksheet by pressing Shift + F8 on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) +  F8

7.9 Cancel Selection: Esc

Press Esc to cancel the selection of cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Esc.

8. Extend Selection Shortcuts

Follow these keyboard shortcuts to extend your active cell selection.

8.1 Extend Selection Right: Shift + →

To extend cell selection to the right side, press Shift + → on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + →.

8.2 Extend Selection Left: Shift + ←

To extend cell selection to the left side, press Shift + ← on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + ←.

8.3 Extend Selection Up: Shift + ↑

To extend cell selection to upward, press Shift + ↑ on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + ↑.

8.4 Extend Selection Down: Shift + ↓

To extend cell selection to upward, press Shift + ↓ on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + ↓.

8.5 Extend Selection to Last Cell Right: Ctrl + Shift + →

To extend cell selection to the rightmost last cell, press Ctrl + Shift + → on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + →.

8.6 Extend Selection to Last Cell Left: Ctrl + Shift + ←

To extend cell selection to the leftmost last cell, press Ctrl + Shift + ← on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ←.

8.7 Extend Selection to Last Cell Up: Ctrl + Shift + ↑

To extend cell selection to the last cell upward, press Ctrl + Shift + ↑ on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ↑.

8.8 Extend Selection to Last Cell Down: Ctrl + Shift + ↓

To extend cell selection to the last cell downward, press Ctrl + Shift + ↓ on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ↓.

8.9 Extend Selection Up One Screen: Shift + PgUp

To extend cell selection upward once per screen, press Shift + PgUp on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + ↑

8.10 Extend Selection Down One Screen: Shift + PgDn

To extend cell selection downward once per screen, press Shift + PgDn on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + ↓

8.11 Extend Selection Right One Screen: Alt + Shift + PgDn

To extend cell selection the right way once per screen, press Alt + Shift + PgDn on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Shift (⇧) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↓

8.12 Extend Selection Left One Screen: Alt + Shift + PgUp

To extend cell selection the left way once per screen, press Alt + Shift + PgUp on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Shift (⇧) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↑

8.13 Extend Selection to Start of Row(s): Shift + Home

To extend cell selection the start of active cell(s) rows, press Shift + Home on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + ←

8.14 Extend Selection to First Cell in Worksheet: Ctrl + Shift + Home

To extend cell selection the first cell from the active cell in your worksheet, press Ctrl + Shift + Home on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + ←

8.15 Extend Selection to Last Cell in Worksheet: Ctrl + Shift + End

To extend cell selection the last cell from the active cell in your worksheet, press Ctrl + Shift + End on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + →

8.16 Toggle ‘Extend Selection’ Mode: F8

Press F8 to toggle Extend Selection mode and select multiple cells at a time in the same worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + F8

8.17 Cancel ‘Extend Selection’ Mode: Esc

Press Esc to cancel the Extend Selection mode.

Note: For Mac Users, press Esc

9. Active Cell Shortcuts

Here are some keyboard shortcuts to toggle active cells during single and multiple selections.

9.1 Select Active Cell (when multiple cells are already selected): Shift + Backspace

To select the active cell while multiple cells are selected, press Shift + Backspace on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Delete

9.2 Show Active Cell on Worksheet: Ctrl + Backspace

To locate the active cell on the worksheet, press Ctrl + Backspace on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Delete

9.3 Move Active Cell Clockwise to Corners of Selection: Ctrl + .

Press Ctrl + . to move the active cell in a clockwise direction to the corners of selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + .

9.4 Move Active Cell Down in Selection: Enter

While selecting multiple cells, press Enter to move the active cell downwards.

Note: For Mac Users, press Return.

9.5 Move Active Cell Up in Selection: Shift + Enter

While selecting multiple cells, press Shift + Enter to move the active cell upwards.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Return.

9.6 Move Active Cell Right in Selection: Tab

While selecting multiple cells, press Tab to move the active cell on the right side.

Note: For Mac Users, press Tab.

9.7 Move Active Cell Left in Selection: Shift + Tab

While selecting multiple cells, press Shift + Tab to move the active cell on the left side.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Tab.

10. Select Special Shortcuts

To access multiple features of the Select Special section, try the following keyboard shortcuts.

10.1 Display ‘Go To’ Dialog Box: Ctrl + G or F5

To open the Go To dialogue box, press Ctrl + G or F5 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + G.

10.2 Select Cells with Comments: Ctrl + Shift + O

If any of your cells have comments inside it, then press Ctrl + Shift + O to select them.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + O.

10.3 Select Current Region Around Active Cell: Ctrl + Shift + *

Press Ctrl + Shift + * to select the current region around the active cell among multiple selections.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Control (^) + Space.

10.4 Select Current Region: Ctrl + A

Press Ctrl + A to select the current region in the worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + A.

10.5 Select Row Differences: Ctrl + \

To find row differences with a dataset in the worksheet, press Ctrl + \ on your keyboard to highlight them.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + \.

10.6 Select Column Differences: Ctrl + Shift + |

Similarly find column differences with a dataset in the worksheet by pressing Ctrl + Shift + | on your keyboard to highlight them.

10.7 Select Direct Precedents: Ctrl + [

When a cell is a precedent of a formula in another cell, press Ctrl + [ after selecting dependent cells to find that precedent cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + [.

10.8 Select All Precedents: Ctrl + Shift + {

Similarly, select all precedent cells of a large dataset by pressing Ctrl + Shift + {.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + {.

10.9 Select Direct Dependents: Ctrl + ]

On the other hand, select a direct dependent cell in a single row with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + ].

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ].

10.10 Select All Dependents: Ctrl + Shift + }

Similarly, select all dependent cells with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + }.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + }.

10.11 Select Visible Cells Only: Alt + ;

Within a large dataset, after hiding specific columns that you don’t need to copy when you select the dataset afterward, it will, either way, paste the whole dataset with the hidden column. To solve this, after hiding the column, select the whole dataset and press Alt + ; to select visible cells only. After that, unhide the column and you will see that the selected cells are bordered with a dotted line. Now copy-paste it wherever you need and it will not paste the data of the hidden column anymore.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + Z.

11. Cell Edit Shortcuts

To edit a selected cell for different requirements, go through these keyboard shortcuts for smooth operation.

11.1 Edit Active Cell: F2

Press F2 to edit any active cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + U.

11.2 Insert or Edit Comment: Shift + F2

To insert or edit any previous comment inside a cell, press Shift + F2 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + F2.

11.3 Delete Comment: Shift + F10, M

On the other hand, to delete any comment inside a cell, press Shift + F10, M on the keyboard.

11.4 Cancel Editing: Esc

Press Esc to cancel any sort of editing inside an active cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Esc.

11.5 Select One Character Right: Shift + →

Press Shift + → to select one single character at a time in the right way.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + →

11.6 Select One Character Left: Shift + ←

Press Shift + ← to select one single character at a time in a left way.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + ←

11.7 Move One Word Right: Ctrl + →

In an active cell, move one word to the right way every time by pressing Ctrl + →

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + →

11.8 Move One Word Left: Ctrl + ←

In an active cell, move one word to the left way every time by pressing Ctrl + ←

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ←

11.9 Select One Word Right: Ctrl + Shift + →

In an active cell, select one word to the right way every time by pressing Ctrl + Shift + →

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + →

11.10 Select One Word Left: Ctrl + Shift + ←

In an active cell, select one word to the right way every time by pressing Ctrl + Shift + ←

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ←

11.11 Select to Beginning of Cell: Shift + Home

From any active cell, press Shift + Home to select up to the beginning of the cell on the same row.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + ←

11.12 Select End of Cell: Shift + End

From any active cell, press Shift + End to select up to the ending of the cell on the same row.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Function (Fn) + →

11.13 Delete to End of Line: Ctrl + Delete

Click inside any cell and press Ctrl + Delete to delete to the end of line erasing all data inside it.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Delete

11.14 Delete Character to Left of Cursor: Backspace

Inside an active cell, press Backspace to erase one by one character to the left of the cursor.

Note: For Mac Users, press Delete

11.15 Delete Character to Right of Cursor: Delete

Inside an active cell, press Delete to erase one by one character to the right of the cursor.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Delete

11.16 Start New Line in Same Cell: Alt + Enter

Press Alt + Enter to start a new line in the same cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Option/Alt (⌥) + Return

12. Entering Data Shortcuts

To enter data in the worksheet under different circumstances, apply these keyboard shortcuts for fast application.

12.1 Enter Data and Move Down: Enter

Press Enter to move down after inserting any data inside a cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Return

12.2 Enter Data and Move Up: Shift + Enter

Press Shift +Enter to move up after inserting any data inside a cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Return

12.3 Enter Data and Move Right: Tab

Press Tab to move right after inserting any data inside a cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Tab.

12.4 Enter Data and Move Left: Shift + Tab

Press Shift + Tab to move right after inserting any data inside a cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Tab.

12.5 Enter Data and Stay in Same Cell: Ctrl + Enter

Press Ctrl + Enter to stay in the same cell after inserting any data there.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Return.

12.6 Insert Current Date: Ctrl + ;

Press Ctrl + ; to insert current date.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ;.

12.7 Insert Current Time: Ctrl + Shift + :

Press Ctrl + Shift + : to insert current time.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + :.

12.8 Fill Down from Cell Above: Ctrl + D

To fill down the value from the cell above, press Ctrl + D on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + D.

12.9 Fill Right from Cell on Left: Ctrl + R

To fill down the value from a cell on left, press Ctrl + R on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + R.

12.10 Copy Formula from Cell above when Formula is Exact Copy: Ctrl + ‘

Press Ctrl + ‘ to copy the formula from the cell above when the formula is an exact copy.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ‘.

12.11 Copy Value from Cell Above: Ctrl + Shift + “

To copy value from cell above, press Ctrl + Shift + “ or on Ctrl + ” your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + “.

12.12 Insert Hyperlink: Ctrl + K

To open the Insert Hyperlink window, press Ctrl + K on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + K.

12.13 Display AutoComplete List: Alt + ↓

To display the autocomplete cell downward, press Alt + ↓ on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Option/Alt (⌥) + ↓.

12.14 Flash Fill: Ctrl + E

To apply Flash Fill when values are similar, press Ctrl + E on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + E.

13. Number Formatting Shortcuts

To format any numeric values inside a cell, you can apply these shortcuts for different circumstances.

13.1 Apply General Format: Ctrl + Shift + ~

Press Ctrl + Shift + ~ to apply a general format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ~

13.2 Apply Number Format: Ctrl + Shift + !

Press Ctrl + Shift + ! to apply the number format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + !

13.3 Apply Time Format: Ctrl + Shift + @

Press Ctrl + Shift + @ to apply the time format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + @

13.4 Apply Date Format: Ctrl + Shift + #

Press Ctrl + Shift + # to apply the date format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + #

13.5 Apply Currency Format: Ctrl + Shift + $

Press Ctrl + Shift + $ to apply currency format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + $

13.6 Apply Percentage Format: Ctrl + Shift + %

Press Ctrl + Shift + % to apply percentage format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + %

13.7 Apply Scientific Format: Ctrl + Shift + ^

Press Ctrl + Shift + ^ to apply a scientific format in the cell.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + ^

14. Formatting Shortcuts

To format selected cells, use these keyboard shortcuts and make your work easier.

14.1 Format Cells: Ctrl + 1

Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells window.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + 1

14.2 Display Format Cells with Font Tab Selected: Ctrl + Shift + F

Press Ctrl + Shift + F to open the Format Cells window with Font tab selected.

14.3 Apply or Remove Bold: Ctrl + B

Press Ctrl + B  to apply or remove Bold format in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + B

14.4 Apply or Remove Italics: Ctrl + I

Press Ctrl + I  to apply or remove Italics format in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + I

14.5 Apply or Remove Underline: Ctrl + U

Press Ctrl + U  to apply or remove Underline format in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + U

14.6 Apply or Remove Strikethrough: Ctrl + 5

Press Ctrl + 5  to apply or remove Strikethrough format in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + X

14.7 Align Center: Alt + H, A, C

Press Alt + H, A, C  to align texts in the center in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + E

14.8 Align Left: Alt + H, A, L

Press Alt + H, A, L  to align texts on the left in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + L

14.9 Align Right: Alt + H, A, R

Press Alt + H, A, R  to align texts in the right in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + R

14.10 Indent: Alt + H, 6

Press Alt + H, 6 to indent texts in selected cells.

14.11 Remove Indent: Alt + H, 5

Press Alt + H, 5 to remove indent from texts in selected cells.

14.12 Wrap Text: Alt + H, W

Press Alt + H, W to apply the Wrap Text feature in selected cells.

14.13 Align Top: Alt + H, A, T

Press Alt + H, A, T to align texts on top in selected cells.

14.14 Align Middle: Alt + H, A, M

Press Alt + H, A, M to align texts in the middle in selected cells.

14.15 Align Bottom: Alt + H, A, B

Press Alt + H, A, B to align texts in the bottom in selected cells.

14.16 Increase Font Size One Step: Alt + H, F, G

Press Alt + H, F, G to increase font size one step in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + >

14.17 Decrease Font Size One Step: Alt + H, F, K

Press Alt + H, F, K to decrease font size one step in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + <

15. Border Shortcuts

We often apply borders to cells to highlight them for different purposes. With these keyboard shortcuts, you can easily apply different types of borders and modify them according to your preference.

15.1 Open List of Border Styles from Ribbon: Alt + H, B

Press Alt + H, B to open the list of Border styles from Excel Ribbon.

15.2 Add Border Around Selected Cells: Ctrl + Shift + &

Press Ctrl + Shift + & to add a border around selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + 0

15.3 Add or Remove Right Border: Alt + H, B, R

Press Alt + H, B, R to add or remove the right border in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + →

15.4 Add or Remove Left Border: Alt + H, B, L

Press Alt + H, B, L to add or remove the left border in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ←

15.5 Add or Remove Top Border: Alt + H, B, P

Press Alt + H, B, P to add or remove the top border in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↑

15.6 Add or Remove Bottom Border: Alt + H, B, O

Press Alt + H, B, O to add or remove the bottom border in selected cells.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + ↓

15.7 Add All Borders to All Cells in Selection: Alt + H, B, A

Press Alt + H, B, A to add all borders in selected cells.

15.8 Remove Borders: Ctrl + Shift + –

Press Ctrl + Shift + – to remove borders.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Option/Alt (⌥) + –

16. Formula Shortcuts

To enter, evaluate or modify any formula inside a cell, apply these keyboard shortcuts to work efficiently. Make sure your selected cell is in edit mode while applying the shortcuts.

16.1 Toggle Absolute and Relative References: F4

To toggle between absolute and relative cell reference in a formula, press F4 on your keyboard. This helps to work easily with cell references rather than typing Dollar Sign ($) before each cell number every time in the formula.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + T

16.2 Open Insert Function Dialog Box: Shift + F3

Press Shift + F3 on the keyboard to open the Insert Function dialogue box.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Shift (⇧) + F3

16.3 Autosum: Alt + =

To auto-sum selected cells’ values, press Alt + = on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + T

16.4 Toggle Displaying Formulas On and Off: Ctrl + ‘

To show or hide the formula in a cell, press Ctrl + ‘ on your keyboard for ease of visualization.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + ‘

16.5 Insert Function Arguments: Ctrl + Shift + A

To show the arguments of any function inside a cell, press Ctrl + Shift + A after typing the function name.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + A

16.6 Enter Array Formula: Ctrl + Shift + Enter

When we need to process several values for a single calculation, we use them as an array formula rather than a regular one. For this, insert Curly Brackets ({}) on the front and back of the formula to make it an array, and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to enter the array formula.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + Return

16.7 Calculate Active Worksheet: Shift + F9

To force calculation in the active worksheet, press Shift + F9 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Shift (⇧) + F9

16.8 Force Calculate All Worksheets: Ctrl + Alt + F9

On the other hand, force calculation in all worksheets of all opened workbooks, press Ctrl + Alt + F9 on the keyboard.

16.9 Expand or Collapse Formula Bar: Ctrl + Shift + U

Press Ctrl + Shift + U to expand or collapse the Formula Bar in the worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + U

16.10 Open Name Manager: Ctrl + F3

Press Ctrl + F3 to display the Name Manager dialogue box.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + L

16.11 Create Name from Values in Row(s)/Column(s): Ctrl + Shift + F3

After selecting certain rows or columns, press Ctrl + Shift + F3 to open the Create Names from Selection dialogue box. Then, choose your preference from the list below and create a name for that specific selection.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Control (^) + F3

16.12 Paste Name into Formula: F3

After selecting a cell with a formula, press F3 to the Paste Name window and insert any named range to associate with the formula.

Note: For Mac Users, press F3

16.13 Accept Function with Auto-Complete: Tab

Press Tab to accept any function with its auto-complete suggestion.

Note: For Mac Users, press Tab

17. Grid Operation Shortcuts

Apply these keyboard shortcuts to modify rows and columns in your Excel worksheet.

17.1 Display Insert Dialog Box: Ctrl + + or Ctrl + Shift + +

Press Ctrl + + or Ctrl + Shift + + to show the Insert dialogue box. In the box, select your preferred option for grid operation.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + +

17.2 Display Delete Dialog Box: Ctrl + –

Press Ctrl + – to show the Delete dialogue box. In the box, select your preferred option for grid operation.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + –

17.3 Delete Contents of Selected Cells: Delete

Select cell(s) and press Delete to remove contents.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Delete

17.4 Hide Columns: Ctrl + 0

Press Ctrl + 0 to hide selected columns.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + 0

17.5 Hide Rows: Ctrl + 9

Press Ctrl + 9 to hide selected rows.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + 9

17.6 Unhide Rows: Ctrl + Shift + 9

Press Ctrl + Shift + 9 to unhide the hidden rows.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + 9

17.7 Unhide Columns: Ctrl + Shift + 0

Press Ctrl + Shift + 0 to unhide the hidden columns.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧) + 0

17.8 Group Rows or Columns (with rows/columns selected): Alt + Shift + →

Press Alt + Shift + → to group selected rows or columns. Otherwise, open the Group dialogue box when no rows or columns are selected.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + K

17.9 Ungroup Rows or Columns (with rows/columns selected): Alt + Shift + ←

Press Alt + Shift + ← to ungroup selected rows or columns. Otherwise, open the Ungroup dialogue box when no rows or columns are selected.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + J

17.10 Hide or Show Outline Symbols: Ctrl + 8

After grouping certain rows or columns, you will notice an outline symbol on the left side of the dataset. To hide or show it, press Ctrl + 8 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + 8

18. Pivot Table Shortcuts

Pivot Table is one of the most important tools in Excel. It helps to summarize a large amount of data to analyze easily. Here are some frequently used keyboard shortcuts while operating a Pivot Table.

18.1 Create Pivot Table: Alt + N, V, T

After selecting a data range, press Alt + N, V, T to open the PivotTable from table or range window and create a Pivot Table. Otherwise, press Alt + N, V, E to create it from an external source.

18.2 Toggle Pivot Table Field Checkbox: Space

Press Space every time to toggle between PivotTable Fields checkboxes.

Note: For Mac Users, press Space

18.3 Select Entire Pivot Table: Ctrl + A

Press Ctrl + A to select the entire Pivot Table.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + A

18.4 Group Pivot Table Items: Alt + Shift + →

Select multiple items in Pivot Table and group them by pressing Alt + Shift + →.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + K

18.5 Ungroup Pivot Table Items: Alt + Shift + ←

To ungroup selected items, press Alt + Shift + ← on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + J

18.6 Hide (filter out) Pivot Table Item: Ctrl + –

Press Ctrl + – to hide items when the filter is applied to that specific column.

Note: For Mac Users, press Ctrl + –

18.7 Unhide (clear filter on) Pivot Table Item: Alt + H, S, C

On the other hand, press Alt + H, S, C to unhide the filtered items.

18.8 Open Pivot Chart List: Alt + N, S, Z, C

To create a chart from Pivot Table, press Alt + N, S, Z, C to get the list of preferences.

18.9 Create Pivot Chart on the Same Worksheet: Alt + F1

Press Alt + F1 to create a Pivot Chart on the same worksheet as the source Pivot Table.

18.10 Create Pivot Chart on New Worksheet: F11

Press F11 to create a Pivot Chart on a new worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + F11

19. Dialog Box Shortcuts

To operate dialogue boxes with keyboard shortcuts, follow the list below.

19.1 Move to Next Control: Tab

To move to the next control in a dialogue box, press Tab each time.

Note: For Mac Users, press Tab

19.2 Move to Previous Control: Shift + Tab

To go back to the previous control, press Shift + Tab in your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + Tab

19.3 Move to Next Tab: Ctrl + Tab

In a dialogue box, press Ctrl + Tab to move to the next tab.\

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Tab

19.4 Move to Previous Tab: Ctrl + Shift + Tab

On the other hand, go back to the previous tab, press Ctrl + Shift + Tab on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Control (^) + Shift (⇧)  + Tab

19.5 Accept and Apply: Enter

To accept and apply certain settings in a dialogue box, press Enter which will work on the OK button as well.

Note: For Mac Users, press Enter

19.6 Check and Uncheck Box: Space

To check and uncheck boxes in a dialogue box, press Space each time for a change of preference.

Note: For Mac Users, press Space

19.7 Cancel and Close the Dialog Box: Esc

Press Esc to cancel and close the dialogue box.

Note: For Mac Users, press Esc

20. Other Keyboard Shortcuts

Before concluding this tutorial, here are some extra keyboard shortcuts that you may need while using advanced-level Excel.

20.1 Run Spellcheck: F7

Open Spelling window by pressing F7 on your keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press F7

20.2 Open Thesaurus: Shift + F7

Open Thesaurus panel on your worksheet by pressing Shift + F7 on the worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Shift (⇧) + F7

20.3 Open Macro Dialog Box: Alt + F8

Press Alt + F8 to open the Macro dialogue box.

Note: For Mac Users, press Option/Alt (⌥) + Function (Fn) + F9 as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

20.4 Open VBA Editor: Alt + F11

Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA Editor window.

Note: For Mac Users, press Option/Alt (⌥) + Function (Fn) + F11 as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

20.5 Duplicate Object: Ctrl + D

To duplicate value/object in the same worksheet, press Ctrl + D on the keyboard.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + D as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

20.6 Open Modify Cell Style Dialog Box: Alt + ‘

Open Style window by pressing Alt + ‘ to modify cell style.

Note: For Mac Users, press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + L as keyboard shortcuts in Excel.

20.7 Show Right-Click Menu: Shift + F10

Press Shift + F10 to display the Context Menu in the worksheet.

Note: For Mac Users, press Function (Fn) + Shift (⇧) + L

20.8 Display Control Menu: Alt + Space

Press Alt + Space as keyboard shortcuts in Excel to display the Control Menu.

Conclusion

Finally we are at the conclusion of our long article. We hope this tutorial on Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel will help you as a complete guideline for using Excel efficiently. Let us know your feedback in the comment box. Follow ExcelDemy for more articles like this.