Paste Special · original practice scenario
Paste evaluated cell values without their formulas
In a spare workbook, put 7 in B2 and =B2*3 in C2. Apply distinctive formatting to C2 and copy that cell. Select empty E2.
Start here: Windows desktop Microsoft 365 supporting direct Paste Values, or the separately sourced Mac menu workflow
This case copies an Excel cell, not external rich text. Direct paste support is version-dependent; use Paste Special > Values if unsupported.
Follow these instructions in your own desktop Excel workbook. This page explains the operation; it does not send commands to Excel.
Windows keys and context
The publisher warns that the listed Mac Cmd+Shift+V may open Paste Special instead. No default Mac key is claimed or configured; the Mac panel offers a Microsoft-documented menu method.
Ctrl+Shift+V
Publisher-documented binding. Native desktop execution has not been tested.
Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗
Walk through the operation
- Copy C2 as a cell, then select E2 outside edit mode.
- Use the listed direct Paste Values key, then inspect E2 and its formula bar.
- Change B2 to 9 and compare the formula cell C2 with the pasted constant E2.
Instruction 1 of 3: Copy C2 as a cell, then select E2 outside edit mode.
Expected result: C2 becomes 27 after the edit, while E2 remains the constant 21 with no copied formula.
Recall the keys
Which listed Windows combination or sequence starts this operation in the context above?
More shortcuts
Browse all shortcut references →Catalog updated 2026-10-18. US keyboard notation: + joins held keys; commas separate successive presses. Function keys may require Fn. Desktop instructions are separate from this browser's own keyboard shortcuts.