Excel Shortcut Keys: Complete A to Z List for Windows and Mac

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Excel shortcut keys are key combinations that run a command without the mouse, such as Ctrl + C to copy or Ctrl + Shift + L to switch filters on. This page lists 207 shortcuts for Excel on Windows and Mac, grouped by task, with a search box and a print-ready sheet.

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207shortcut keys
15task groups
2keyboards: Windows and Mac
10Copilot and Python keys for Excel 365

The 24 Excel shortcut keys used most

If you learn nothing else, learn these. They cover most everyday work in any Excel version.

CopyCtrl+CCmd+C
PasteCtrl+VCmd+V
Undo the last actionCtrl+ZCmd+Z
Save the workbookCtrl+SCmd+S
Open FindCtrl+FCmd+F
Select the whole data region or sheetCtrl+ACmd+A
Jump to the edge of the data regionCtrl+Arrow keysCmd+Arrow keys
Extend the selection to the end of the dataCtrl+Shift+Arrow keysCmd+Shift+Arrow keys
Edit the active cellF2Control+UorF2
Fill down from the cell aboveCtrl+DCmd+D
Insert today’s dateCtrl+;Control+;
Start a new line inside a cellAlt+EnterOption+Return
Open Paste SpecialCtrl+Alt+VControl+Cmd+V
Paste values only (Excel 365)Ctrl+Shift+VCmd+Shift+V
Open Format CellsCtrl+1Cmd+1
Insert cells, rows or columnsCtrl+Shift++Control+Shift++
AutoSumAlt+=Cmd+Shift+T
Switch between absolute and relative referencesF4Cmd+T
Create a tableCtrl+TCmd+T
Turn filters on or offCtrl+Shift+LCmd+Shift+F
Select visible cells onlyAlt+;Cmd+Shift+8
Flash FillCtrl+EControl+E
Go to the next worksheetCtrl+Page DownOption+→
Show formulas instead of resultsCtrl+`Control+`

Workbook and file shortcut keys

Open, save, print and undo: the keys every Excel session starts and ends with.

ActionWindowsMac
Create a new workbookCtrl+NCmd+N
Open a workbookCtrl+OCmd+O
Save the workbookCtrl+SCmd+S
Save AsF12Cmd+Shift+S
PrintCtrl+PCmd+P
Close the workbookCtrl+WCmd+W
Close ExcelAlt+F4Cmd+Q
Undo the last actionCtrl+ZCmd+Z
RedoCtrl+YCmd+Y
Repeat the last actionF4Cmd+Y
Open the File menuAlt+F—
Check spellingF7F7
Open the ThesaurusShift+F7Shift+F7
Switch to the next open workbookCtrl+Tab—
Minimise the workbook windowCtrl+F9Cmd+M
Maximise or restore the workbook windowCtrl+F10—
Zoom inCtrl+Alt+=—
Zoom outCtrl+Alt+-—
Show or hide the ribbonCtrl+F1Cmd+Option+R
Jump to the Search boxAlt+Q—

Navigation shortcut keys

Move around large sheets without touching the scroll bar.

ActionWindowsMac
Move one cell in any directionArrow keysArrow keys
Jump to the edge of the data regionCtrl+Arrow keysCmd+Arrow keys
Go to the start of the rowHomeHome
Go to cell A1Ctrl+HomeControl+Home
Go to the last used cellCtrl+EndControl+End
Move one screen downPage DownPage Down
Move one screen upPage UpPage Up
Move one screen to the rightAlt+Page DownOption+Page Down
Move one screen to the leftAlt+Page UpOption+Page Up
Go to the next worksheetCtrl+Page DownOption+→
Go to the previous worksheetCtrl+Page UpOption+←
Open the Go To boxCtrl+GorF5Control+GorF5
Move to the next cell in the rowTabTab
Move to the previous cell in the rowShift+TabShift+Tab
Scroll back to the active cellCtrl+BackspaceControl+Delete
Move to the next corner of the selectionCtrl+.Control+.
Switch between panes in a split sheetF6F6
Open FindCtrl+FCmd+F
Find the next matchShift+F4Cmd+G

Selection shortcut keys

Select rows, columns and whole data blocks in one move.

ActionWindowsMac
Select the whole data region or sheetCtrl+ACmd+A
Select the entire rowShift+SpaceShift+Space
Select the entire columnCtrl+SpaceControl+Space
Extend the selection by one cellShift+Arrow keysShift+Arrow keys
Extend the selection to the end of the dataCtrl+Shift+Arrow keysCmd+Shift+Arrow keys
Extend the selection to the start of the rowShift+HomeShift+Home
Extend the selection to cell A1Ctrl+Shift+HomeControl+Shift+Home
Extend the selection to the last used cellCtrl+Shift+EndControl+Shift+End
Select the current region around the active cellCtrl+Shift+8Control+Shift+8
Select visible cells onlyAlt+;Cmd+Shift+8
Turn Extend Selection mode on or offF8F8
Add non-adjacent cells to the selectionShift+F8Shift+F8
Reduce the selection to the active cellShift+BackspaceShift+Delete
Select all objects on the sheetCtrl+Shift+Space—
Select all cells that contain commentsCtrl+Shift+O—
Select cells a formula refers to (precedents)Ctrl+[Control+[
Select formulas that use the active cell (dependents)Ctrl+]Control+]

Data entry and editing shortcut keys

The fastest way to type, fill and correct data, including date and time shortcut keys.

ActionWindowsMac
Edit the active cellF2Control+UorF2
Start a new line inside a cellAlt+EnterOption+Return
Fill all selected cells with the same entryCtrl+EnterControl+Return
Complete the entry and move downEnterReturn
Complete the entry and move upShift+EnterShift+Return
Cancel the entryEscEsc
Fill down from the cell aboveCtrl+DCmd+D
Fill right from the cell on the leftCtrl+RCmd+R
Flash FillCtrl+EControl+E
Insert today’s dateCtrl+;Control+;
Insert the current timeCtrl+Shift+;Cmd+;
Copy the value from the cell aboveCtrl+Shift+"Control+Shift+"
Copy the formula from the cell aboveCtrl+'Control+'
Pick from a list of entries already in the columnAlt+↓Option+↓
Clear the cell contentsDeleteDelete
Delete to the end of the line while editingCtrl+DeleteControl+Delete
Insert a hyperlinkCtrl+KCmd+K
Insert a noteShift+F2Shift+F2
Insert a threaded commentCtrl+Shift+F2Cmd+Shift+F2
Open Find and ReplaceCtrl+HControl+H

Copy and paste shortcut keys

Copy, cut and every useful kind of Paste Special.

ActionWindowsMac
CopyCtrl+CCmd+C
CutCtrl+XCmd+X
PasteCtrl+VCmd+V
Open Paste SpecialCtrl+Alt+VControl+Cmd+V
Paste values only (Excel 365)Ctrl+Shift+VCmd+Shift+V
Paste values only (all versions)Ctrl+Alt+VthenVthenEnter—
Paste formulas onlyCtrl+Alt+VthenFthenEnter—
Paste formats onlyCtrl+Alt+VthenTthenEnter—
Paste and transpose rows to columnsCtrl+Alt+VthenEthenEnter—
Paste column widthsCtrl+Alt+VthenWthenEnter—
Copy formatting with Format PainterAltthenHthenFthenP—
Open the Office ClipboardAltthenHthenFthenO—

Formatting shortcut keys

Format a report without opening a single menu.

ActionWindowsMac
Open Format CellsCtrl+1Cmd+1
BoldCtrl+BCmd+B
ItalicCtrl+ICmd+I
UnderlineCtrl+UCmd+U
StrikethroughCtrl+5Cmd+Shift+X
Centre alignAltthenHthenAthenCCmd+E
Align leftAltthenHthenAthenLCmd+L
Align rightAltthenHthenAthenR—
Wrap textAltthenHthenW—
Merge and centreAltthenHthenMthenC—
Fill colourAltthenHthenH—
Font colourAltthenHthenFthenC—
Add an outline borderCtrl+Shift+&Cmd+Option+0
Remove all bordersCtrl+Shift+_Cmd+Option+-
Apply all bordersAltthenHthenBthenA—
Increase font sizeAltthenHthenFthenGCmd+Shift+>
Decrease font sizeAltthenHthenFthenKCmd+Shift+<
AutoFit column widthAltthenHthenOthenI—
AutoFit row heightAltthenHthenOthenA—
Set column widthAltthenHthenOthenW—
Clear all formattingAltthenHthenEthenF—

Number format shortcut keys

Switch between number, date, currency and percentage formats instantly.

ActionWindowsMac
Number with two decimals and a thousands separatorCtrl+Shift+1Control+Shift+1
Time formatCtrl+Shift+2Control+Shift+2
Date formatCtrl+Shift+3Control+Shift+3
Currency formatCtrl+Shift+4Control+Shift+4
Percentage formatCtrl+Shift+5Control+Shift+5
Scientific formatCtrl+Shift+6Control+Shift+6
General formatCtrl+Shift+~Control+Shift+~
Increase decimal placesAltthenHthen0—
Decrease decimal placesAltthenHthen9—
Comma styleAltthenHthenK—

Row, column and sheet shortcut keys

Insert, delete, hide and group rows, columns and worksheets.

ActionWindowsMac
Insert cells, rows or columnsCtrl+Shift++Control+Shift++
Delete cells, rows or columnsCtrl+-Cmd+-
Hide the selected rowsCtrl+9Control+9
Unhide rowsCtrl+Shift+9Control+Shift+9
Hide the selected columnsCtrl+0Control+0
Unhide columnsCtrl+Shift+0Control+Shift+0
Group rows or columnsAlt+Shift+→Cmd+Shift+K
Ungroup rows or columnsAlt+Shift+←Cmd+Shift+J
Show or hide outline symbolsCtrl+8Control+8
Insert a new worksheetShift+F11Shift+F11
Rename the current sheetAltthenHthenOthenR—
Delete the current sheetAltthenHthenDthenS—
Move or copy the current sheetAltthenHthenOthenM—
Freeze panesAltthenWthenFthenF—
Freeze the top rowAltthenWthenFthenR—

Excel formula shortcut keys

Write, check and recalculate formulas faster.

ActionWindowsMac
Start a formula==
AutoSumAlt+=Cmd+Shift+T
Switch between absolute and relative referencesF4Cmd+T
Show formulas instead of resultsCtrl+`Control+`
Insert a functionShift+F3Shift+F3
Open Function Arguments for the function you typedCtrl+AControl+A
Insert the argument names of a functionCtrl+Shift+AControl+Shift+A
Accept a suggested function nameTabTab
Enter an array formula (Excel 2019 and earlier)Ctrl+Shift+EnterControl+Shift+Return
Calculate all open workbooksF9F9
Calculate the active sheetShift+F9Shift+F9
Force a full recalculationCtrl+Alt+F9—
Expand or collapse the formula barCtrl+Shift+UControl+Shift+U
Open Name ManagerCtrl+F3—
Create names from the selectionCtrl+Shift+F3Cmd+Shift+F3
Paste a defined name into a formulaF3—

Filter, sort and table shortcut keys

Turn a range into a table, then filter, sort and clean it.

ActionWindowsMac
Create a tableCtrl+TCmd+T
Turn filters on or offCtrl+Shift+LCmd+Shift+F
Open the filter menu for the selected headerAlt+↓Option+↓
Clear all filtersAltthenAthenC—
Sort A to ZAltthenAthenSthenA—
Sort Z to AAltthenAthenSthenD—
Open the Sort dialogAltthenAthenSthenSCmd+Shift+R
Remove duplicatesAltthenAthenM—
Text to ColumnsAltthenAthenE—
Data validationAltthenAthenVthenV—
Add a total row to a tableCtrl+Shift+T—
Open Quick AnalysisCtrl+Q—
Refresh data in the current worksheetCtrl+F5—
Refresh all data in the workbookCtrl+Alt+F5—
Open Go To SpecialF5thenAlt+S—

PivotTable and chart shortcut keys

Build and refresh PivotTables and charts from the keyboard.

ActionWindowsMac
Insert a PivotTable (Excel 365)AltthenNthenVthenT—
Open the classic PivotTable wizardAltthenDthenPCmd+Option+P
Refresh the PivotTableAlt+F5—
Select the whole PivotTableCtrl+ACmd+A
Group the selected PivotTable itemsAlt+Shift+→Cmd+Shift+K
Ungroup PivotTable itemsAlt+Shift+←Cmd+Shift+J
Open the filter list for the selected fieldAlt+↓Option+↓
Create a chart on the same sheetAlt+F1Option+F1
Create a chart on a new sheetF11F11

Ribbon shortcut keys

Press Alt and Excel shows a letter for every ribbon command. On Mac the ribbon has no key tips.

ActionWindowsMac
Show the ribbon key tipsAltorF10—
Open the Home tabAltthenH—
Open the Insert tabAltthenN—
Open the Page Layout tabAltthenP—
Open the Formulas tabAltthenM—
Open the Data tabAltthenA—
Open the Review tabAltthenR—
Open the View tabAltthenW—
Open the right-click menuShift+F10Shift+F10

Excel function keys F1 to F12

What each function key does on its own. On many laptops, hold Fn as well.

ActionWindowsMac
Open HelpF1—
Edit the active cellF2F2
Paste a defined nameF3—
Repeat the last action, or switch reference type while editingF4Cmd+YorCmd+T
Open Go ToF5F5
Move to the next paneF6F6
Check spellingF7F7
Turn Extend Selection mode on or offF8F8
Calculate all open workbooksF9F9
Show the ribbon key tipsF10—
Create a chart on a new sheetF11F11
Save AsF12F12

Macro and VBA shortcut keys

Open the macro list and the Visual Basic Editor.

ActionWindowsMac
Open the Macro dialogAlt+F8Option+F8
Open the Visual Basic EditorAlt+F11Option+F11

Excel 365 Copilot and Python shortcut keys

The newest shortcuts in Excel for Microsoft 365. They need a plan that includes Copilot or Python in Excel.

ActionWindowsMac
Move between the sheet and the Copilot paneF6—
Open the Copilot paneAlt+C—
Open the Copilot pane (earlier builds)AltthenHthenFthenX—
Start a Python formula in the cellCtrl+Alt+Shift+P—
Commit a Python formulaCtrl+Enter—
Switch Python output between Python object and Excel valuesCtrl+Alt+Shift+M—
Open the Python code editor paneCtrl+Alt+Shift+F2—
Reset the Python runtimeCtrl+Alt+Shift+F9—
Open the data card of a cellCtrl+Shift+F5—
Switch editing between the cell and the formula barCtrl+F2—

Shortcuts shown with then are pressed one key after another. Mac keys can change with your keyboard layout and macOS shortcut settings, and function keys may need the Fn key.

Best Excel shortcut keys by job role

Six shortcuts that save the most time in each kind of work. Windows keys are shown here; the Mac keys are in the tables above.

For data entry operators

Fill downCtrl+D
Same entry in all selected cellsCtrl+Enter
Today’s dateCtrl+;
Pick from earlier entriesAlt+↓
Flash FillCtrl+E
New line inside a cellAlt+Enter

For MIS and accounts teams

Filters on or offCtrl+Shift+L
Select visible cells onlyAlt+;
Paste values onlyCtrl+Shift+V
AutoSumAlt+=
Insert a PivotTableAltthenNthenVthenT
Refresh all dataCtrl+Alt+F5

For data analysis

Create a tableCtrl+T
Jump to the edge of the dataCtrl+Arrow keys
Select to the end of the dataCtrl+Shift+Arrow keys
Lock a cell referenceF4
Show formulasCtrl+`
Chart from the selectionAlt+F1

How to remember Excel shortcut keys

Learn five a weekPick five from the task you repeat most and use only those until they are automatic.
Press Alt and read the lettersOn Windows, Alt shows a letter on every ribbon command, so any button becomes a key sequence.
Do one task a day without the mouseA filter, a format or a paste: small daily practice sticks better than reading a long list.
Keep the sheet in viewPrint this page and keep it beside the keyboard until you stop looking at it.

Excel shortcut keys: questions and answers

What are shortcut keys in Excel?

Shortcut keys are key combinations that run an Excel command without the mouse. Ctrl + C copies, Ctrl + V pastes and Ctrl + Z undoes the last action. Some shortcuts are pressed together and others, such as Alt, H, O, I, are pressed one after another.

Which Excel shortcut keys are most useful for data entry?

Ctrl + D fills down, Ctrl + R fills right, Ctrl + Enter puts the same entry in every selected cell, Ctrl + ; inserts the current date, Alt + Down Arrow opens a list of earlier entries and Ctrl + E runs Flash Fill.

Are Excel shortcut keys different on a Mac?

Yes. Most Ctrl shortcuts use Cmd on a Mac, a few use Control, and Alt is the Option key. The Alt ribbon key tips do not exist on Mac. Each table on this page shows the Windows and Mac keys side by side.

How do I save this Excel shortcut keys list as a PDF?

Select Print or save as PDF at the top of the page and choose Save as PDF as the printer. The page prints as a compact two-column sheet without menus or buttons.

Why is an Excel shortcut key not working?

The usual reasons are that a cell is still in edit mode, the function keys need the Fn key on your laptop, another program is using the same combination, or the shortcut belongs to a newer Excel version. Press Esc and try again first.

Which shortcut keys are new in Excel 365?

Ctrl + Shift + V pastes values only, Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P starts a Python formula and Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M switches the Python output type. Alt + C opens the Copilot pane in Excel for Microsoft 365.

Which Excel shortcut keys should I revise for computer exams?

Start with the basics: Ctrl + N, O, S, P, C, X, V, Z and Y, then F2 to edit, F4 to repeat, F7 for spelling, F12 for Save As, Ctrl + Home, Ctrl + End, Ctrl + 1 and Alt + =.

Compiled by Jitendra Rao, founder of Excel Keys, with 11+ years in MIS reporting and dashboard automation. Windows shortcuts are cross-checked with Microsoft’s Excel keyboard shortcuts reference. Found a mistake? Tell us and we will correct it.

Put the shortcuts to work: download our free Excel templates, or follow the guides on how to create a dashboard in Excel and building an MIS report in Excel.

Jitendra RaoYou work directly with Jitendra Rao

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