Skip to main content

A shortcut to remember

Find a desktop Excel key combination, save it, then test your recall.

275 references · 185 available for Mac recall

ActionWindowsMacSave
Copy cellsEditingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+C. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+CCmd+C
Cut cellsEditingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+X. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+XCmd+X
Paste cellsEditingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+V. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+VCmd+V
UndoEditingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Z. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ZCmd+Z
RedoEditingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

May repeat the preceding command when there is nothing to redo.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Y or Cmd+Shift+Z. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+YCmd+Y
Save workbookFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+S. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+SCmd+S
Open workbookFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+O. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+OCmd+O
New workbookFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Create a new workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+N. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+NCmd+N
Print workbookFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Print your work. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+P. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+PCmd+P
Close workbookFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+W. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+WCmd+W
BoldFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+2. Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+B. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+BCmd+B
ItalicFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+3. Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+I. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ICmd+I
UnderlineFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+4. Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+UCmd+U
Format cellsFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+1. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+1Cmd+1
Fill downData entryCell entry or selected range
Usage & source

Select a range whose first row contains the content and formatting to copy.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+D. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+DCmd+D
Fill rightData entryCell entry or selected range
Usage & source

Select a range whose first column contains the content and formatting to copy.

Windows: Fill formulas into adjacent cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+R. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+RCmd+R
Next cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

TabTab
Previous cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+TabShift+Tab
Commit downData entryCell entry or selected range
Usage & source

Movement follows the workbook editing preference; down is the default.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

EnterReturn
Commit upData entryCell entry or selected range
Usage & source

Uses the opposite of the configured entry direction; up assumes the default setting.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+EnterShift+Return
Select rowSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+SpaceShift+Space
Select columnSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

macOS input-source shortcuts can intercept Control+Space.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+SpaceCtrl+Space
Select allSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Inside data, repeated presses expand the selection from the current region to the whole sheet.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Cmd+Shift+Space. Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ACmd+A
Toggle filterTablesWorksheet data range
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for sorting and filtering. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Shift+L. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+LCmd+Shift+F
Save a separate workbook copyFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Choose a new filename or file format before saving.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: F12. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F12Cmd+Shift+S
Exit the Excel applicationFilesApplication window
Usage & source

Unsaved work can trigger a save prompt.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F4Cmd+Q
Look up Excel helpFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Browser-based Excel has different help shortcuts.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: F1. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F1Cmd+/
Search worksheet contentEditingWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Use the Find dialog to locate text or formulas.

Windows: Find or replace text and numbers on a worksheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+FCtrl+F
Replace matching contentEditingWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Check the replacement scope before using Replace All.

Windows: Find or replace text and numbers on a worksheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+HCtrl+H
Jump to a cell addressNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Enter a reference such as G250 in the Go To dialog.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: F5. Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

F5Ctrl+G
Move up by one cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Finish or cancel cell editing before moving the selection.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

UpUp
Move down by one cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Inside an editor, arrow keys can move the text caret instead.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

DownDown
Move left by one cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

LeftLeft
Jump to a data boundaryNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Blank cells affect where the jump stops; choose an arrow direction.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ArrowCmd+Arrow
Return to the sheet originNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

On a compact Mac keyboard use Ctrl+Fn+Left for Home.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+HomeCtrl+Home
Jump to the last used cellNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Used extent can include formatting beyond visible data. MacBook End is Fn+Right.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+EndCtrl+End
Return to the start of a rowNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

On a compact Mac keyboard Home is Fn+Left.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

HomeHome
Move down a screenNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

On a MacBook use Fn+Down for PageDown.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

PageDownPageDown
Move up a screenNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

On a MacBook use Fn+Up for PageUp.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

PageUpPageUp
Move right a screenNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook PageDown is Fn+Down.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+PageDownOption+PageDown
Move left a screenNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook PageUp is Fn+Up.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+PageUpOption+PageUp
Activate the following sheetNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+PageDownOption+Right
Activate the preceding sheetNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

The Mac reference also contains a conflicting Control-key alternative; this catalog uses its distinct Option+Left binding.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+PageUpOption+Left
Grow the selection by one cellSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Choose an arrow direction while holding Shift.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+ArrowShift+Arrow
Grow the selection to a data boundarySelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Blank cells change the boundary; choose the direction with an arrow.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+ArrowCmd+Shift+Arrow
Select back to the sheet originSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook Home is Fn+Left.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+HomeCtrl+Shift+Home
Select through the last used cellSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook End is Fn+Right.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+EndCtrl+Shift+End
Grow the selection down a screenSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook PageDown is Fn+Down.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+PageDown
Grow the selection up a screenSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook PageUp is Fn+Up.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+PageUp
Toggle extended selection modeSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

After enabling the mode, arrow keys extend the selection.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

F8F8
Add a separate selection rangeSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Keeps the existing range while adding another one.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F8Shift+F8
Edit the active cell contentEditingSelected cell
Usage & source

F-keys can require Fn on Mac keyboards.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+U. Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

F2F2
Abandon the current editEditingCell editor or formula barOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Cancels the pending entry; it does not clear the saved cell value.

Try it: Put Cedar in B2 and commit it. Re-enter edit mode and replace the pending text with Harbor without confirming the entry.

  1. Confirm that Harbor is pending in the editor while Cedar is the last committed value.
  2. Press Esc to abandon the pending cell edit.
  3. Select B2 again and inspect its saved value; do not press Delete.

Result: B2 retains Cedar; the pending Harbor entry has been discarded.

This cancels a pending edit. It does not certify clearing a copied-range marquee or erasing an already saved value.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

EscEsc
Insert a line break inside a cellData entryCell editor
Usage & source

Keep editing the cell rather than committing a new row.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Cmd+Option+Return. Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+EnterCtrl+Option+Return
Enter the same content across a selectionData entryCell entry with a range selected
Usage & source

Type the entry first, then commit it to the selected range.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+EnterCtrl+Return
Stamp today's dateData entryCell entry
Usage & source

This inserts a fixed date; TODAY() recalculates instead.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+;Ctrl+;
Stamp the current timeData entryCell entry
Usage & source

On a US keyboard Shift+; produces a colon. This inserts a fixed time, not a live NOW() formula.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+;Cmd+;
Copy the formula from the row aboveData entryCell entry or formula bar
Usage & source

Copies the formula expression from the cell directly above.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+'Ctrl+'
Copy the value from the row aboveData entryCell entry or formula bar
Usage & source

On a US keyboard Shift+apostrophe produces a double quote. Copies the value rather than the formula above.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+'Ctrl+Shift+'
Choose which cell properties to pasteEditingAfter copying cells
Usage & source

The dialog lets you separate values, formulas and formatting.

Windows: Alternatives: Alt, E, S. Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Option+V or Cmd+Option+V. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+VCmd+Ctrl+V
Insert space for new cellsEditingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Whole-row or whole-column selections change the insertion scope.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift++Ctrl+Shift+=
Remove cells and shift the remainderEditingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

This differs from clearing contents while leaving cells in place.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+-. Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+-Cmd+-
Add or edit a legacy cell noteEditingSelected cell
Usage & source

Notes and threaded comments are separate Excel features.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F2Shift+F2
Open a threaded cell commentEditingSelected cell
Usage & source

Use the note shortcut for older-style cell notes.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+F2Cmd+Shift+F2
Run a spelling reviewEditingWorksheet or selected range
Usage & source

F-keys may require Fn depending on the keyboard settings.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F7F7
Toggle crossed-out textFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+5Cmd+Shift+X
Use General number displayFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

The symbol denotes the US key carrying ~; Shift is already listed. Changes display, not stored precision.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+~Ctrl+Shift+~
Show a currency amountFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Currency appearance can depend on regional settings.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+$Ctrl+Shift+$
Show a percentageFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

A stored 0.25 is displayed as 25%; formatting does not divide by 100.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+%Ctrl+Shift+%
Use scientific number displayFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Changes the displayed representation, not the stored number.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+^Ctrl+Shift+^
Show values as datesFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

A number format alone does not parse arbitrary date text.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+#Ctrl+Shift+#
Show values as timesFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Time display uses the fractional part of a numeric date/time value.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+@Ctrl+Shift+@
Show grouped numbers with decimalsFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

The display uses two decimals; the underlying value is unchanged.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+!Ctrl+Shift+!
Put a border around the selectionFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Applies an outside border, rather than borders between every cell.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+&Cmd+Option+0
Remove the outside borderFormattingSelected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+_Cmd+Option+-
Cycle object visibilityFormattingWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Cycles drawings and object placeholders; it is not a cell-value filter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+6Ctrl+6
Show or hide outline controlsOutliningGrouped worksheet
Usage & source

Changes visibility of the outline controls.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Outline data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+8Ctrl+8
Hide selected rowsOutliningSelected worksheet rows
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Outline data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+9Ctrl+9
Hide selected columnsOutliningSelected worksheet columns
Usage & source

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Outline data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+0Ctrl+0
Switch between formulas and resultsFormulasWorksheet grid
Usage & source

This changes worksheet display rather than evaluating a formula.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+`Ctrl+`
Expand the formula entry areaFormulasFormula bar
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+UCtrl+Shift+U
Cycle a reference's dollar signsFormulasEditing a formula reference
Usage & source

Select a reference within the formula first. Outside formula editing Cmd+T creates a table.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: F4. Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

F4Cmd+T
Choose a worksheet functionFormulasCell entry or formula bar
Usage & source

Opens function help for constructing a formula.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F3Shift+F3
Inspect a function's argumentsFormulasCaret after a valid function name
Usage & source

Inside a formula this opens function arguments; in the grid it selects cells.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ACtrl+A
Insert a SUM calculationFormulasWorksheet cell near numeric data
Usage & source

Inspect the proposed range before accepting it.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+=Cmd+Shift+T
Recalculate open workbooksFormulasWorkbook window
Usage & source

F-keys may need Fn. In formula editing F9 can evaluate a selected expression instead.

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+Alt+F9 or Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9. Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Cmd+= or Ctrl+Option+F9 or Ctrl+Option+Shift+F9. Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F9F9
Recalculate only the active sheetFormulasWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F9Shift+F9
Recalculate even unchanged formulasFormulasWorkbook window
Usage & source

Forces calculation across open workbooks.

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9. Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Option+Shift+F9. Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+F9Ctrl+Option+F9
Recheck dependencies then recalculateFormulasWorkbook window
Usage & source

Rebuilds the dependency check before calculation.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9Ctrl+Option+Shift+F9
Name a worksheet referenceFormulasWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Windows commas mean successive key presses on the English ribbon.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, M, M, DCmd+F3
Turn a range into an Excel TableTablesWorksheet grid with a data range selected
Usage & source

While editing a reference, the Mac Command-key variant has a different purpose.

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+L. Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Cmd+T. Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+TCtrl+T
Open a column's filter choicesTablesSelected filter-header cell
Usage & source

Select the header's filter button cell first; other contexts use these keys differently.

Windows: Filter data in a table. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Sort, filter, and use PivotTable reports. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+DownOption+Down
Create a separate chart sheetChartsWorksheet data range
Usage & source

The new chart uses the current data region.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Use charts. Microsoft reference ↗

F11F11
Add a worksheet tabFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

macOS or keyboard settings can intercept the function key.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F11Shift+F11
Open the macro chooserAutomationWorkbook window
Usage & source

Opens the dialog; this reference page never runs macros.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F8Option+F8
Open the VBA editorAutomationDesktop Excel
Usage & source

This page does not enable macros or execute code.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F11Option+F11
Open Power Query editingAutomationDesktop Excel with Power Query
Usage & source

Availability depends on the installed Excel edition and features.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F12Option+F12
Open the current item's menuNavigationSelected cell or object
Usage & source

F-keys may require Fn on compact keyboards.

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F10Shift+F10
Collapse or expand ribbon tabsRibbonWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F1Cmd+Option+R
Move focus to another Excel paneNavigationWorkbook window
Usage & source

Cycles through sheet, ribbon and task areas.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F6F6
Minimize the workbook windowFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F9Ctrl+F9
Toggle workbook window sizeFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Cmd+F10. Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F10Ctrl+F10
Activate the Home ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Press the keys in sequence; ribbon letters depend on interface language.

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, HNot listed
Activate the Insert ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, NNot listed
Activate the Page Layout ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, PNot listed
Activate the Formulas ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, MNot listed
Activate the Data ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, ANot listed
Activate the Review ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, RNot listed
Activate the View ribbon tabRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, WNot listed
Open the Windows File menuRibbonEnglish Windows ribbon
Usage & source

Windows: Use the Access keys for ribbon tabs. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt, FNot listed
Place a chart on the current sheetChartsWorksheet data range
Usage & source

Creates a chart object alongside the source cells.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F1Not listed
Infer a text pattern from adjacent dataData entryWorksheet data column
Usage & source

Check inferred output; Flash Fill does not establish a live formula.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Using Flash Fill in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ECtrl+E
Paste values through Paste SpecialPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

Copy cells and open Ctrl+Alt+V first, then choose V and confirm.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

VNot listed
Paste formulas through Paste SpecialPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

Open Ctrl+Alt+V after copying, choose F, then confirm.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

FNot listed
Paste formatting through Paste SpecialPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

Open Ctrl+Alt+V after copying, choose T, then confirm.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

TNot listed
Paste column widths through Paste SpecialPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

Open Ctrl+Alt+V after copying, choose W, then confirm.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

WNot listed
Paste validation rules through Paste SpecialPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

Open Ctrl+Alt+V after copying, choose N, then confirm.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

NNot listed
Refresh external data on this sheetData connectionsWorksheet with external data
Usage & source

External refresh can contact configured data sources. The recall exercise does not do so.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for refreshing external data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F5Not listed
Refresh external data across the workbookData connectionsWorkbook with external data
Usage & source

This is a data refresh, distinct from recalculating worksheet formulas.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for refreshing external data. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+F5Not listed
Inspect suggested analysis toolsTablesSelected worksheet data
Usage & source

Available analysis options depend on the selected data.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+QNot listed
Inspect workbook size statisticsFilesWorkbook window
Usage & source

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+GNot listed
Delete a Power Pivot tablePower PivotWindows Power Pivot window
Usage & source

In the worksheet Ctrl+D fills down; here the operation deletes a model table.

Windows: Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+DNot listed
Rename a Power Pivot tablePower PivotWindows Power Pivot window
Usage & source

In the worksheet Ctrl+R fills right.

Windows: Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+RNot listed
Move a table in Power PivotPower PivotWindows Power Pivot window
Usage & source

Windows: Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+MNot listed
Open a Power Pivot column filterPower PivotWindows Power Pivot window
Usage & source

This row applies to the model window, not a worksheet filter header.

Windows: Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+DownNot listed
Recalculate the Power Pivot modelPower PivotWindows Power Pivot window
Usage & source

This context recalculates model formulas.

Windows: Power Pivot keyboard shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

F9Not listed
Draw the selection's right borderFormattingSelected Mac worksheet cells
Usage & source

Uses the Command and Option modifiers together.

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Option+Right
Draw the selection's left borderFormattingSelected Mac worksheet cells
Usage & source

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Option+Left
Draw the selection's top borderFormattingSelected Mac worksheet cells
Usage & source

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Option+Up
Draw the selection's bottom borderFormattingSelected Mac worksheet cells
Usage & source

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Option+Down
Choose a custom sort orderTablesMac worksheet data range
Usage & source

Opens sorting options for the selected data.

Mac: Sort, filter, and use PivotTable reports. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+R
Restrict selection to visible cellsSelectionSelected Mac worksheet range
Usage & source

Useful after hiding or filtering rows; review the selected range before editing.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+*
Group selected rows or columnsOutliningSelected Mac worksheet rows or columns
Usage & source

Creates outline groups, not a formula group.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+K
Remove a row or column groupOutliningSelected Mac worksheet rows or columns
Usage & source

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+J
Scroll the active cell into viewNavigationMac worksheet grid
Usage & source

Changes the viewport without changing the active cell.

Mac: Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+Delete
Move to another selection cornerSelectionSelected Mac worksheet range
Usage & source

Cycles clockwise around the selected range.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+.
Focus the ribbon access keysRibbonWindows ribbon
Usage & source

Press again or use Esc to leave key navigation.

Windows: Alternatives: F10. Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

AltNot listed
Focus the next ribbon commandRibbonRibbon command navigation
Usage & source

Focus the ribbon before navigating its commands.

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

TabNot listed
Focus the preceding ribbon commandRibbonRibbon command navigation
Usage & source

This moves focus rather than changing the worksheet selection.

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+TabNot listed
Run the focused ribbon buttonRibbonFocused ribbon button
Usage & source

Only applies after a button has keyboard focus.

Windows: Alternatives: Enter. Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

SpaceNot listed
Show the focused ribbon tooltipRibbonFocused ribbon control
Usage & source

A tooltip is different from opening contextual Help.

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+F10Not listed
Open the focused ribbon menuRibbonFocused ribbon menu button
Usage & source

The same keys open a filter menu in a different context.

Windows: Work in the ribbon with the keyboard. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+DownNot listed
Repeat an available commandEditingRepeatable worksheet action
Usage & source

Only repeatable actions can be repeated. During formula editing F4 changes reference style.

Windows: Alternatives: F4. Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+YNot listed
Choose font settings in Format CellsFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Opens the font controls; a Mac binding is not documented here.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for formatting cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+FNot listed
Center text in selected cellsFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Windows keys form a sequence after Alt, not one chord.

Windows: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+H,A,CCmd+E
Align selected text to the leftFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

The Mac selection shortcut is listed here; do not reuse this chord as a Windows formatting binding.

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+L
Increase the selected font sizeFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

US keyboard symbol notation; these keys include Shift.

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+>
Decrease the selected font sizeFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

US keyboard symbol notation; these keys include Shift.

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+<
Edit a cell styleFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Opens the style dialog rather than applying a table filter.

Mac: Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+L
Reveal hidden columns in the selectionFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Select columns on both sides of the hidden columns first. US keyboard symbol notation.

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Shift+). Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+)
Reveal hidden rows in the selectionFormattingWorksheet selection
Usage & source

Select rows surrounding the hidden rows first. US keyboard symbol notation.

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Shift+(. Format and edit data. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+(
Paste content and formattingPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

First copy cells, open Paste Special with Ctrl+Alt+V, then choose this option and confirm with Enter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

ANot listed
Paste cell comments and notesPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

First copy cells, open Paste Special with Ctrl+Alt+V, then choose this option and confirm with Enter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

CNot listed
Paste content while omitting bordersPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

First copy cells, open Paste Special with Ctrl+Alt+V, then choose this option and confirm with Enter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

XNot listed
Paste formulas with number formattingPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

First copy cells, open Paste Special with Ctrl+Alt+V, then choose this option and confirm with Enter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

RNot listed
Paste values with number formattingPaste SpecialWindows Paste Special dialog
Usage & source

First copy cells, open Paste Special with Ctrl+Alt+V, then choose this option and confirm with Enter.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts in the Paste Special dialog box in Excel. Microsoft reference ↗

UNot listed
Focus the next dialog controlDialogsOpen dialog
Usage & source

Moves focus without confirming the dialog.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

TabTab
Focus the previous dialog controlDialogsOpen dialog
Usage & source

Moves focus in reverse order.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+TabShift+Tab
Switch to the next dialog tabDialogsOpen tabbed dialog
Usage & source

With no dialog open this chord can switch workbook windows instead.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+TabNot listed
Switch to the previous dialog tabDialogsOpen tabbed dialog
Usage & source

The open dialog is required for this meaning.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+TabNot listed
Confirm the default dialog buttonDialogsOpen dialog
Usage & source

Runs the default button; review changes before confirming.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

EnterReturn
Toggle a focused dialog checkboxDialogsFocused dialog checkbox
Usage & source

A button may run its action instead; place focus on the checkbox first.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

SpaceNot listed
Dismiss a dialog without confirmingDialogsOpen dialog
Usage & source

Cancels the current dialog or action.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

EscEsc
Insert a function argument templateFormulasFormula entry after a valid function name
Usage & source

Place the insertion point immediately after the function name.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+ANot listed
Insert a defined workbook nameFormulasFormula entry with existing defined names
Usage & source

Requires at least one defined name in the workbook.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

F3Not listed
Create names from worksheet labelsFormulasSelected cells and their labels
Usage & source

Opens the Create Names dialog; choose the label edges to use.

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+F3
Toggle formula argument hintsFormulasFormula entry
Usage & source

Controls the formula tooltip rather than recalculating the cell.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+PNot listed
Edit the active formula in the formula barFormulasWorksheet cell or active formula editor
Usage & source

Current Microsoft documentation describes editing here; this is not listed as Windows Print Preview.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F2Not listed
Commit a legacy array formulaFormulasLegacy array formula entry
Usage & source

Select the intended output range first. Dynamic arrays normally use Return without this legacy chord.

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Shift+Return. Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+Return
Select the surrounding data regionSelectionActive cell inside a data region
Usage & source

Repeating the shortcut expands selection; this is not the same as a single unconditional whole-sheet selection.

Windows: Alternatives: Ctrl+Shift+Space. Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ACmd+A
Select the region containing the active cellSelectionActive cell inside a data region
Usage & source

The asterisk is a US keyboard symbol.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+*Not listed
Reduce a range selection to its active cellSelectionMultiple selected worksheet cells
Usage & source

Mac Delete means backward delete here, not the forward-delete key.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+Delete
Select the active cell's current arraySelectionCell belonging to an array
Usage & source

The slash is the forward slash, not the backslash used for row differences.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+/
Select values differing from the active row cellSelectionA row selection beginning at the comparison cell
Usage & source

Select the comparison cell first, then extend the row selection.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+\
Select direct and indirect formula inputsSelectionSelected formula cells
Usage & source

Includes earlier levels of the dependency chain.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+Shift+{
Select formulas referring directly to the active cellSelectionWorksheet cell with dependent formulas
Usage & source

Selects referring cells rather than the inputs of this cell.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+]
Select direct and indirect dependent formulasSelectionWorksheet cell with dependent formulas
Usage & source

Includes further levels of the dependency chain.

Mac: Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+Shift+}
Select every object on the sheetSelectionA worksheet object is already selected
Usage & source

Selecting cells instead changes the meaning of this chord.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+SpaceNot listed
Add the following worksheet to the sheet selectionSelectionWorksheet tab selection
Usage & source

Grouped sheets can receive the same edits. Check which tabs are selected before editing.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+PageDownNot listed
Add the preceding worksheet to the sheet selectionSelectionWorksheet tab selection
Usage & source

Extends to the preceding sheet; it is different from merely activating it.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for making selections and performing actions. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+PageUpNot listed
Extend a cell selection to the row startSelectionWorksheet grid
Usage & source

MacBook keyboards can use Fn+Shift+Left.

Mac: Alternatives: Fn+Shift+Left. Select cells, columns, or rows. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+Home
Move the active cell down within a selectionSelectionExisting multi-cell worksheet selection
Usage & source

Navigation wraps within the selected range. These entries use documented Mac selection behavior.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedReturn
Move the active cell up within a selectionSelectionExisting multi-cell worksheet selection
Usage & source

Navigation wraps within the selected range. These entries use documented Mac selection behavior.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+Return
Move the active cell forward within a selectionSelectionExisting multi-cell worksheet selection
Usage & source

Navigation wraps within the selected range. These entries use documented Mac selection behavior.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedTab
Move the active cell backward within a selectionSelectionExisting multi-cell worksheet selection
Usage & source

Navigation wraps within the selected range. These entries use documented Mac selection behavior.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+Tab
Remove the character before the caretEditingText insertion point in a cell or formula
Usage & source

Mac Delete is backward delete; selected text is removed if present.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

BackspaceDelete
Remove the character after the caretEditingText insertion point in a cell or formula
Usage & source

Fn+Delete is the MacBook forward-delete combination.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

DeleteFn+Delete
Remove text from the caret to line endEditingText insertion point in a cell
Usage & source

MacBook key combination from Microsoft documentation.

Mac: Enter data on a sheet. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCtrl+Fn+Delete
Move the caret to the end of formula textEditingFormula bar text editor
Usage & source

In the worksheet grid this chord moves to the last used cell instead.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+EndNot listed
Select formula text after the caretEditingFormula bar text editor
Usage & source

This selects text; it does not extend a worksheet range.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for working with data, functions, and the formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+EndNot listed
Clear selected cell values and formulasEditingWorksheet cell selection
Usage & source

Cell formatting remains. In text editing mode Delete has a character-editing meaning instead.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

DeleteDelete
Toggle the Excel full-screen viewWindow managementWorkbook window
Usage & source

Function-key behavior can depend on keyboard settings.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+F1Cmd+Ctrl+F
Hide the Excel application windowsWindow managementExcel application
Usage & source

Hides the application rather than closing the workbook.

Mac: Work in windows and dialog boxes. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+H
Focus the next workbook windowWindow managementMultiple open Excel windows
Usage & source

Requires another workbook window.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+F6Not listed
Cycle workbook windows in reverse orderWindow managementWorkbook window with no dialog open
Usage & source

An open tabbed dialog gives this chord a different meaning.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+TabNot listed
Cycle focus through panes in reverseWindow managementWorkbook window and its panes
Usage & source

Cycles worksheet, ribbon, task pane and related controls.

Windows: Function keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F6Not listed
Open the workbook window control menuWindow managementWindows workbook window
Usage & source

This is a window-management menu, not a worksheet context menu.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+SpaceNot listed
Increase worksheet zoomNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Uses the equal-sign key on a US keyboard.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+=Not listed
Decrease worksheet zoomNavigationWorksheet grid
Usage & source

Uses the minus-sign key.

Windows: Keyboard shortcuts for navigating in cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+-Not listed
Toggle End-mode navigationNavigationWindows worksheet grid
Usage & source

After End, an arrow moves to a region boundary and turns End mode off.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

EndNot listed
Open the entry completion listData entryCell entry with completion candidates
Usage & source

Only offers completions available for the current entry.

Mac: Work in cells or the Formula bar. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedOption+Down
Move selected cells and insert at the destinationEditingDragging the border of a selected range
Usage & source

Hold Shift while dragging the selected cells. Check the insertion indicator before releasing.

Windows: Other useful shortcut keys. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+DragShift+Drag
Move a selected range by draggingEditingDragging the border of a selected range
Usage & source

Without Shift, the move cuts and pastes rather than inserting cells.

Mac: Work with a selection. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedDrag
Create a workbook from a templateFilesExcel application
Usage & source

Opens the template route rather than creating an empty workbook directly.

Mac: Frequently used shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedCmd+Shift+P
Look up alternatives in the thesaurusEditingWorksheet text
Usage & source

Fn may be needed for function keys depending on the Mac keyboard configuration.

Mac: Alternatives: Ctrl+Option+Cmd+R. Use function key shortcuts. Microsoft reference ↗

Not listedShift+F7
Open Excel OptionsFilesWindows desktop Excel with no modal dialog openOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Press the File access key, then T. Commas mean successive presses, not a single held chord.

Try it: You want to review how a new workbook is configured.

  1. Finish any cell edit.
  2. Use the listed key sequence.
  3. Review a setting, then cancel if you do not want to change it.

Result: The Excel Options dialog opens.

Changing options can affect other workbooks. This scenario only opens the dialog.

Windows: Access the Microsoft 365 app settings and options. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+F,TNot listed
Copy a cell range by dragging its borderDrag and dropSelected worksheet cells; pointer on the selection border, not the fill handleOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Hold Ctrl on Windows or Option (Alt) on Mac while dragging. Release the mouse before releasing the modifier.

Try it: A2:B3 contains a small price list; E2:F3 is empty.

  1. Select A2:B3 and point at its border.
  2. Hold the platform modifier and drag the selection to E2.
  3. Release the mouse, then the modifier.

Result: The original range stays in A2:B3 and a copy occupies E2:F3.

Use an empty destination: copying over occupied cells can replace their contents. The fill handle performs a different operation.

Windows: Move or copy cells using a mouse / Copy cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Move or copy cells using a mouse / Copy cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+DragAlt+Drag
Insert a copy of selected rows by draggingDrag and dropWindows worksheet; complete rows selected by their row headersOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The documented copy-and-insert gesture combines Ctrl and Shift. A Mac combination is not supplied by this review.

Try it: Rows 4:5 hold two reusable checklist items; row 9 already holds another item.

  1. Select complete rows 4:5.
  2. Hold Ctrl and Shift while dragging their border to the insertion line above row 9.
  3. Release the mouse before releasing the keys.

Result: Copies are inserted above the old row 9; the original rows remain.

Wait for the insertion line before dropping. Try this on a disposable workbook first.

Windows: Move or copy cells using a mouse / Copy and insert. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+DragNot listed
Duplicate a worksheet by dragging its tabDrag and dropWorksheet tab bar in a workbook with permission to change its sheet structureOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Hold Ctrl on Windows or Option (Alt) on Mac while dragging a sheet tab. This acts on a worksheet, not a selected cell range.

Try it: A worksheet named Weekly plan is ready to reuse.

  1. Point at the Weekly plan sheet tab.
  2. Hold the platform modifier and drag the tab to a new position.
  3. Release the mouse, then the modifier.

Result: A copied worksheet appears alongside the original.

The copy includes the sheet contents and formulas; review references before using it as a new reporting period.

Windows: Copy a worksheet in the same workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Copy a worksheet in the same workbook. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+DragAlt+Drag
Extend a rectangular selection to a clicked cellSelectionWorksheet grid with an active anchor cell; no cell edit in progressOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Click the anchor first, then hold Shift while clicking the opposite corner.

Try it: You need the rectangular block B2:E8 for a formatting change.

  1. Click B2.
  2. Hold Shift and click E8.
  3. Release Shift before making the formatting change.

Result: B2:E8 is selected, including all cells inside the rectangle.

Windows: Select one or more cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select one or more cells. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+ClickShift+Click
Add a separate cell or range to a selectionSelectionWindows worksheet grid; selecting separate areasOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Ctrl allows separate selections. This entry does not infer a Mac modifier from the Windows instruction.

Try it: B2 and E5 are two input cells that need the same highlight.

  1. Click B2.
  2. Hold Ctrl while clicking E5.
  3. Release Ctrl before applying the highlight.

Result: Both separate cells are selected.

Some commands cannot operate on multiple separate areas; confirm the command supports your selection.

Windows: Select non-adjacent cells or ranges. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ClickNot listed
Select one character right while editingEditingWindows cell text edit mode, not worksheet selection modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Enter cell edit mode with F2, position the caret and hold Shift with the indicated arrow.

Try it: A1 contains North desk. While editing, the caret is just before the d.

  1. Enter edit mode and position the caret as described.
  2. Use the listed combination once.

Result: Only the d immediately to the right of the caret is selected.

Typing now replaces the selected character. Esc abandons the edit.

Windows: Underline all or selected cell contents / Select a portion of cell contents. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+RightNot listed
Select one character left while editingEditingWindows cell text edit mode, not worksheet selection modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Enter cell edit mode with F2, position the caret and hold Shift with the indicated arrow.

Try it: A1 contains North desk. While editing, the caret is just after the h.

  1. Enter edit mode and position the caret as described.
  2. Use the listed combination once.

Result: Only the h immediately to the left of the caret is selected.

Typing now replaces the selected character. Esc abandons the edit.

Windows: Underline all or selected cell contents / Select a portion of cell contents. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+LeftNot listed
Evaluate a selected formula fragmentFormulasWindows formula edit mode; a complete expression selected in the formula barOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

F9 evaluates the selected fragment here. Outside edit mode, F9 has a different calculation scope.

Try it: A1 contains 12, A2 contains 8 and B1 contains =SUM(A1:A2)*2.

  1. Edit B1 in the formula bar and select only SUM(A1:A2).
  2. Press F9 to inspect that fragment.
  3. Press Esc to leave the original formula intact.

Result: The selected fragment temporarily displays 20; after Esc the original formula remains.

Enter commits the replacement and removes that part of the formula. Use Esc when you only want to inspect it.

Windows: Replace part of a formula with its calculated value. Microsoft reference ↗

F9Not listed
Accept the highlighted formula autocomplete itemFormulasWindows formula entry with an active autocomplete suggestion listOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Use arrow keys to highlight the intended suggestion, then Tab to insert it.

Try it: A1:A3 contains amounts and B1 is the total cell.

  1. In B1 type =SU to show suggestions.
  2. Highlight SUM, then press Tab.
  3. Complete the argument A1:A3, close the parenthesis and commit the formula.

Result: Tab inserts the selected function name and opening parenthesis; the completed formula is =SUM(A1:A3).

With no suggestion list active, Tab can commit an entry and move to another cell.

Windows: Navigate the Formula AutoComplete drop-down list / Insert an item. Microsoft reference ↗

TabNot listed
Insert complete worksheet rowsEditingWhole worksheet rows selected through their headersOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

This combines whole-row or whole-column selection with the documented Insert cells command. On a US Windows keyboard, the plus key also requires Shift.

Try it: You need a blank row above the item currently in row 6.

  1. Click the row 6 header to select it completely.
  2. Use the listed insertion combination.

Result: A blank worksheet row appears above the old row 6.

Selecting only a few cells can open an insertion dialog or shift only those cells. Work on a copy when changing a real report.

Windows: Windows / Insert cells; Mac / Insert cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Windows / Insert cells; Mac / Insert cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift++Ctrl+Shift+=
Insert complete worksheet columnsEditingWhole worksheet columns selected through their headersOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

This combines whole-row or whole-column selection with the documented Insert cells command. On a US Windows keyboard, the plus key also requires Shift.

Try it: You need a blank column before the current column C.

  1. Click the column C header to select it completely.
  2. Use the listed insertion combination.

Result: A blank worksheet column appears before the old column C.

Selecting only a few cells can open an insertion dialog or shift only those cells. Work on a copy when changing a real report.

Windows: Windows / Insert cells; Mac / Insert cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Windows / Insert cells; Mac / Insert cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift++Ctrl+Shift+=
Delete complete worksheet rowsEditingWhole worksheet rows selected through their headersOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Delete cells removes the selected structure, unlike the Delete key that clears cell contents. Select complete headers first.

Try it: Row 7 is an obsolete draft line in a disposable copy of a report.

  1. Click the row 7 header to select it completely.
  2. Use the listed deletion combination.

Result: The entire row is removed and the rows below move up.

Deletion changes the worksheet structure and may change formula references. Use Undo if the wrong header was selected.

Windows: Windows and Mac / Delete cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Windows and Mac / Delete cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+-Ctrl+-
Delete complete worksheet columnsEditingWhole worksheet columns selected through their headersOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Delete cells removes the selected structure, unlike the Delete key that clears cell contents. Select complete headers first.

Try it: Column D is a temporary helper column in a disposable copy of a report.

  1. Click the column D header to select it completely.
  2. Use the listed deletion combination.

Result: The entire column is removed and the columns to its right move left.

Deletion changes the worksheet structure and may change formula references. Use Undo if the wrong header was selected.

Windows: Windows / Frequently used shortcuts / Delete a column. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Windows and Mac / Delete cells; whole-row or whole-column preselection. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+H,D,CCtrl+-
Select an entire PivotTable reportPivotTablesWindows worksheet; active cell inside an existing PivotTable reportOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The Microsoft removal instructions document Ctrl+A as the selection step. Selection alone does not delete the report.

Try it: A PivotTable summarizes expense totals and you want to select its report.

  1. Click a result cell inside the PivotTable.
  2. Press Ctrl+A once.
  3. Inspect the selection before running any other command.

Result: The PivotTable report is selected.

Do not follow the source article deletion step unless you intend to remove the report.

Windows: Delete a PivotTable / Select the entire PivotTable. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ANot listed
Select nonadjacent worksheet tabsSelectionWindows worksheet tab bar; selecting a group of sheetsOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Sheet grouping acts on worksheet tabs, rather than cells or open workbook windows.

Try it: The workbook has Jan, Feb and Mar sheets; only Jan and Mar need a shared header change.

  1. Click the Jan sheet tab.
  2. Hold Ctrl and click the Mar sheet tab.
  3. After inspecting the group, click the unselected Feb tab to ungroup.

Result: Jan and Mar form a group until you select the unselected Feb tab.

Edits in a grouped sheet can affect every selected sheet. Ungroup before returning to ordinary editing.

Windows: Group selected worksheets. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ClickNot listed
Select adjacent worksheet tabsSelectionWindows worksheet tab bar; selecting a group of sheetsOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Sheet grouping acts on worksheet tabs, rather than cells or open workbook windows.

Try it: Jan, Feb, Mar and Notes appear in that tab order; Jan through Mar need the same print setup.

  1. Click the Jan sheet tab.
  2. Hold Shift and click the Mar sheet tab.
  3. After inspecting the group, click the unselected Notes tab to ungroup.

Result: Jan, Feb and Mar form a group until you select the unselected Notes tab.

Edits in a grouped sheet can affect every selected sheet. Ungroup before returning to ordinary editing.

Windows: Group selected worksheets. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+ClickNot listed
Toggle Scroll Lock for worksheet navigationNavigationDesktop Excel; keyboard with the required Scroll Lock or F14 capabilityOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Windows may label the key ScrLk. Microsoft lists Shift+F14 on Mac with a keyboard-dependent qualification; some MacBooks need an external USB keyboard.

Try it: Arrow keys scroll the worksheet instead of moving the active cell, and Scroll Lock is enabled.

  1. Check whether Scroll Lock is enabled.
  2. Use the listed combination on a compatible keyboard.
  3. Try an arrow key again to check navigation.

Result: Turning Scroll Lock off restores ordinary arrow-key cell navigation.

Toggling while it is already off turns it on. On Windows, the On-Screen Keyboard provides a ScrLk button; Mac function-key availability varies.

Windows: Turn off Scroll Lock / Check the Scroll Lock state. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Mac / Move and scroll in a sheet or workbook / Scroll Lock tip. Microsoft reference ↗

ScrollLockShift+F14
Clear a focused PivotTable slicer filterPivotTablesWindows desktop Excel; focus inside the slicer associated with a PivotTableOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Microsoft documents this command in its Windows screen-reader slicer workflow. Focus must be on the slicer.

Try it: A Region slicer limits an expense PivotTable to East.

  1. Use the documented screen-reader workflow to focus the Region slicer.
  2. With focus in that slicer, press Alt+C.

Result: The filter from that slicer clears; other report filters can still apply.

This does not clear every filter in the workbook. Outside the slicer, the same keys can act differently.

Windows: Filter your PivotTable using a slicer / Clear the filter. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+CNot listed
Toggle a PivotTable field checkboxPivotTablesWindows PivotTable Fields pane; keyboard focus on a field checkboxOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Navigate to the field list and highlight a field before pressing Space. This is not a worksheet selection command.

Try it: The PivotTable Fields pane is open and the Amount field is not selected.

  1. Move focus to the field list and use arrow keys to highlight Amount.
  2. Press Space once to check the field.
  3. Press Space again only if you want to remove it.

Result: The checkbox toggles and the report adds or removes that field in its assigned area.

Excel chooses an area when a field is checked. Review its position instead of assuming every field becomes a value.

Windows: Add or remove fields / Add or remove a field from the field list. Microsoft reference ↗

SpaceNot listed
Select an Excel Table column data areaTablesActive data cell inside a structured Excel TableOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The first press selects the Table column data; the second includes its header. This is a Table-specific selection context.

Try it: A structured Excel Table named Expenses has a Cost column.

  1. Click a data cell in the Cost column.
  2. Press Ctrl+Space once.
  3. Press it again if the header must be included.

Result: The Table column is selected at the requested scope.

Outside a Table, Ctrl+Space selects a whole worksheet column.

Windows: Select a table column. Microsoft reference ↗

Mac: Select a table column. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+SpaceCtrl+Space
Select an Excel Table data row from its first cellTablesWindows worksheet; active cell is the first data cell in an Excel Table rowOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The starting cell matters: Microsoft specifies the first cell of the Table row for this selection.

Try it: A structured Table spans B:F; row 8 is the expense record to inspect.

  1. Click B8, the first Table data cell in that row.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Right.

Result: The data cells of that Table row are selected.

This is not the Shift+Space command that selects an entire worksheet row.

Windows: Select a table row. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+RightNot listed
Select an Excel Table data area and then its headersTablesWindows worksheet; active cell inside the data area of a structured Excel TableOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The first Ctrl+A selects Table data; the next includes headers. Begin in Table data, not an ordinary range.

Try it: The Expenses Table has data you want to select without surrounding worksheet cells.

  1. Click a data cell inside Expenses.
  2. Press Ctrl+A once for its data area.
  3. Press it a second time to include headers.

Result: The selection expands within the Table from data to data with headers.

Further presses or starting outside the Table can expand the selection to the worksheet.

Windows: Select an entire table. Microsoft reference ↗

Ctrl+ANot listed
Group selected PivotTable itemsPivotTablesWindows desktop PivotTable; compatible items selected in a row or column fieldOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Open the selected PivotTable items context menu, then choose Group. Worksheet outlining is a different operation.

Try it: The Office and Warehouse labels in a Location PivotTable should become one Facilities group.

  1. Select the Office and Warehouse item labels inside the PivotTable.
  2. Press Shift+F10, release the keys, then press G.
  3. If your selected value type opens grouping options, review those options before accepting.

Result: The selected compatible items are grouped in the PivotTable; source records are retained.

Grouping availability depends on the source and selected values. Do not use the worksheet row-group command as a substitute. This documentation review does not supply a Mac binding.

Windows: Windows / Group data. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F10,GNot listed
Ungroup PivotTable itemsPivotTablesWindows desktop PivotTable; an item inside an existing group is selectedOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The context-menu Ungroup action removes PivotTable grouping. It does not delete underlying source records.

Try it: A Facilities group combines Office and Warehouse; the report now needs the separate locations.

  1. Select an item within the Facilities group in the PivotTable.
  2. Press Shift+F10, release the keys, then press U.
  3. Review the resulting item labels before using the report.

Result: The PivotTable presents the ungrouped items again.

Start inside the existing group. An ordinary worksheet selection has a different context menu. The Mac binding remains unlisted.

Windows: Windows / Ungroup data. Microsoft reference ↗

Shift+F10,UNot listed
Insert a PivotChart beside its PivotTablePivotTablesWindows desktop Excel; active cell inside an existing PivotTableOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

This ribbon sequence opens Insert Chart for the current PivotTable. Choose a chart type and subtype to insert it on that same sheet.

Try it: A Location spending PivotTable already summarises the Expenses source; it needs a chart on its report sheet.

  1. Select a cell within the existing Location spending PivotTable.
  2. Press Alt+J, then T, then C to open Insert Chart.
  3. Use Tab to reach chart types and Up or Down to choose a type.
  4. Use Tab to reach subtypes, select one with Left or Right, then press Enter.

Result: A PivotChart linked to the current PivotTable is inserted on the same worksheet.

Do not begin from an ordinary data range: creating a new PivotChart from raw records uses another workflow. Chart filters can affect the linked PivotTable. The Mac path is not inferred.

Windows: Windows / Create a PivotChart from a PivotTable. Microsoft reference ↗

Alt+J,T,CNot listed
Toggle an Excel Table Total RowTablesA data cell inside an actual Excel Table; Total Row initially hiddenOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher lists Control on both platforms, including Mac. The operation changes Total Row visibility; it does not convert an ordinary range to a Table.

Try it: Create a Table with headers Region and Revenue and four revenue values: 26, 18, 31 and 25. Leave the Total Row off and select a revenue data cell.

  1. Select a cell inside the Table, outside any formula editor.
  2. Use the listed combination to reveal the Table Total Row.
  3. In the Revenue total cell, choose Sum from its dropdown if needed; compare the result with 100.
  4. Use the combination again to hide the Total Row, then again to reveal it.

Result: The four input rows remain intact. The Total Row can be hidden and shown; its Revenue sum is 100 when Sum is selected.

This is a Table command. A range that only looks like a table is not sufficient. Filtered rows can change SUBTOTAL results; start with no filters.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+TCtrl+Shift+T
Inspect names in Name ManagerFormulasDesktop Excel worksheet; on Mac this scenario requires Microsoft 365 with Name ManagerOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher distinguishes current Microsoft 365 for Mac from older versions, where Fn+Ctrl+F3 opens Define Name instead. Fn+Cmd+F3 is also listed for current Microsoft 365 for Mac. No earlier Mac version is certified here.

Try it: Put 0.08 in B2 and define a workbook-scoped name SalesTaxRate referring to that cell through the Formulas menu. Return focus to the worksheet.

  1. Return to a worksheet cell and leave cell-edit mode.
  2. Use the listed combination to open Name Manager; confirm the dialog identity before proceeding.
  3. Select SalesTaxRate and inspect its scope and Refers To address without editing them.
  4. Close the dialog without changing the name, then use =SalesTaxRate in an empty cell.

Result: Name Manager exposes the workbook name and its B2 reference; the test formula returns 0.08. Opening the manager alone changes no cell values.

Mac version matters: if Define Name opens instead, cancel and use the Formulas menu. Do not treat the older dialog as the same operation.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Alternatives: Fn+Cmd+F3. Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+F3Fn+Ctrl+F3
Select differences within one columnSelectionA preselected single-column range, with its top cell active; worksheet selection modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher prints the vertical-bar key. On a US layout, vertical bar and backslash share a physical key; Shift remains part of the chord. This is a selection operation, not conditional formatting.

Try it: Enter Paid, Paid, Late, Paid and Review in D2:D6. Select D2:D6 with D2 as the active comparison cell.

  1. Select the populated range D2:D6, keeping D2 active.
  2. Use the listed combination; on a US keyboard the bar is on the backslash key.
  3. Inspect the remaining selected cells without typing over them.
  4. Click outside the selection to leave the original status values unchanged.

Result: D4 and D6 are the differences from the active Paid value in this one-column example. No statuses are replaced.

Keep the range and active comparison cell explicit. This exercise does not teach row differences, case-sensitive text comparison or error/blank comparison rules.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+|Ctrl+Shift+|
Extend a selection right by one screenSelectionWindows worksheet grid, starting away from the right edge with a single active cellOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Windows only in this catalog. The publisher Mac key table uses Option while its prose says Command is required and Option does not work; that conflicting Mac binding is withheld.

Try it: In a wide worksheet with no merged cells or frozen panes, select C4 and note the visible rightmost column. Keep the Excel window size fixed.

  1. Select C4 in the worksheet grid and leave any formula editor.
  2. Hold Alt and Shift while pressing PageDown once.
  3. Inspect the horizontal extension from the original C4 anchor.
  4. Release the keys and click C4 to reset the selection.

Result: The selection extends right by one visible screen from its original anchor. The number of included columns depends on window width, zoom and column widths.

Do not expect a fixed cell count or the end of a data region. The Mac source conflict remains unresolved; no Mac recall answer is supplied.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+Shift+PageDownNot listed
Extend a selection left by one screenSelectionWindows worksheet grid, starting far enough right to move left by one screenOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Windows only in this catalog. The publisher Mac key table uses Option while its prose says Command is required and Option does not work; that conflicting Mac binding is withheld.

Try it: Use a wide worksheet with no merged cells or frozen panes. Scroll right, select AZ4 and keep the Excel window size fixed.

  1. Select AZ4 in the worksheet grid, far enough from column A to extend left.
  2. Hold Alt and Shift while pressing PageUp once.
  3. Inspect the selection extending left from the AZ4 anchor.
  4. Release the keys and click AZ4 to reset the selection.

Result: The selection extends left by one visible screen while retaining the original anchor. Its width depends on the current viewport and column widths.

At column A the boundary limits movement. This is not a jump to the first nonblank cell. Conflicting Mac documentation is not used for recall.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+Shift+PageUpNot listed
Increase cell alignment indentFormattingWindows desktop Excel with an English Ribbon; a text cell selected, not editedOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Press Alt+H, then 6 in sequence. Mac aliases on the publisher page overlap with its reverse-operation page and include OS-sensitive combinations; no Mac binding is accepted here.

Try it: Enter Hardware in B3. Use left alignment with no indent, then select B3 without entering text-edit mode.

  1. Select B3 and confirm that the cell itself has focus.
  2. Press Alt+H, release the keys, then press 6.
  3. Inspect the additional space between the cell edge and the displayed text.
  4. Select B3 again and inspect the formula bar value.

Result: The display moves inward by one indent level. The cell value remains Hardware, with no inserted leading spaces.

Ribbon key tips depend on interface language and version. Cell alignment indent is separate from grouping rows, inserting spaces or editing a formula.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+H,6Not listed
Decrease cell alignment indentFormattingWindows desktop Excel with an English Ribbon; a text cell with positive indent selectedOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Press Alt+H, then 5 in sequence. Mac aliases on the publisher page overlap with its reverse-operation page; that uncorroborated Mac binding is withheld.

Try it: Enter Hardware in B3. Through Home > Alignment, increase its indent twice, then leave B3 selected outside edit mode.

  1. Select the indented B3 cell in the worksheet grid.
  2. Press Alt+H, release the keys, then press 5.
  3. Inspect the reduced distance from the left cell edge.
  4. Repeat once more to reach the original zero-indent display, then inspect the formula bar.

Result: Each use reduces the cell alignment indent until zero; the underlying text remains Hardware.

There must be positive indent to see an initial change. This command does not remove literal leading spaces, ungroup rows or change the cell value.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+H,5Not listed
Revisit the next search matchEditingWorksheet grid after a Find search has established the search textOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Put Apricot in A2, Kiwi in A3 and Apricot in A4. Use Find to locate Apricot, then close the search dialog.

  1. Keep the search term and search scope unchanged.
  2. Use the listed combination to visit the next matching cell.
  3. Repeat once and inspect the active-cell address; the search may wrap at the scope boundary.

Result: The active cell moves among Apricot matches without replacing their contents.

This repeats an existing search; it does not open a new Find search. Search scope and wrap position affect the destination. Mac Excel 2011 requires the Find dialog to be closed.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Shift+F4Cmd+G
Revisit the previous search matchEditingWorksheet grid after a Find search has established the search textOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Put Apricot in A2, Kiwi in A3 and Apricot in A4. Use Find to locate Apricot, then close the search dialog.

  1. Keep the search term and search scope unchanged.
  2. Use the listed combination to visit the previous matching cell.
  3. Repeat once and inspect the active-cell address; the search may wrap at the scope boundary.

Result: The active cell moves among Apricot matches without replacing their contents.

This repeats an existing search; it does not open a new Find search. Search scope and wrap position affect the destination. Mac Excel 2011 requires the Find dialog to be closed.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+F4Cmd+Shift+G
Move a selected block to another worksheetDrag and dropCell selection border, outside edit mode, with an empty destination worksheetOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: In a disposable workbook, put Code and Quantity in A1:B1 and M7 and 4 in A2:B2 on Draft. Add a second empty sheet named Archive.

  1. Select Draft!A1:B2 and point at its selection border rather than the fill handle.
  2. Hold the listed modifier while dragging the selection over the Archive tab, then into an empty destination range.
  3. Release at the destination and inspect both sheets before continuing.

Result: The selected block is moved to Archive; verify the destination values and the vacated source range.

Use a spare workbook and empty destination. A drag can move or overwrite cells; undo immediately if the destination is wrong. This is a held mouse gesture, not a key sequence.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+dragCmd+drag
Shift the selected block one column rightSelectionMac worksheet range selection, outside cell-edit modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Fill B2:D4 with nine distinct labels and select C2:C4 without entering edit mode.

  1. Confirm C2:C4 is the selected block, leaving room to the right.
  2. Use the listed combination once.
  3. Inspect the selection address and the unchanged values in the original cells.

Result: The selection moves one column right with the same height; this is not a move of cell contents.

No Windows binding is listed in the reviewed source. If the OS intercepts the combination, stop and inspect the active application rather than typing into it.

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Not listedAlt+Tab
Shift the selected block one column leftSelectionMac worksheet range selection, outside cell-edit modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Fill B2:D4 with nine distinct labels and select C2:C4 without entering edit mode.

  1. Confirm C2:C4 is the selected block, leaving room to the left.
  2. Use the listed combination once.
  3. Inspect the selection address and the unchanged values in the original cells.

Result: The selection moves one column left with the same height; this is not a move of cell contents.

No Windows binding is listed in the reviewed source. If the OS intercepts the combination, stop and inspect the active application rather than typing into it.

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Not listedAlt+Shift+Tab
Visit the right area of a nonadjacent selectionSelectionTwo or more disjoint ranges are already selected in a worksheetOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select B2:B3 and E2:E3 together in a spare worksheet using the platform multi-selection gesture.

  1. Confirm both areas remain selected.
  2. Use the listed chord to cycle the active cell toward the right selected area.
  3. Inspect the active address without typing or collapsing the multi-selection.

Result: Focus changes within the selected areas; cell contents are unchanged.

This does not create a new selection. macOS or window-manager shortcuts can intercept Control/Option arrows; do not assume a grid command ran if application focus changed.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+RightCtrl+Alt+Right
Visit the left area of a nonadjacent selectionSelectionTwo or more disjoint ranges are already selected in a worksheetOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select B2:B3 and E2:E3 together in a spare worksheet using the platform multi-selection gesture.

  1. Confirm both areas remain selected.
  2. Use the listed chord to cycle the active cell toward the left selected area.
  3. Inspect the active address without typing or collapsing the multi-selection.

Result: Focus changes within the selected areas; cell contents are unchanged.

This does not create a new selection. macOS or window-manager shortcuts can intercept Control/Option arrows; do not assume a grid command ran if application focus changed.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Alt+LeftCtrl+Alt+Left
Select cells carrying legacy notesSelectionWorksheet containing simple cell notes, historically called comments, outside edit modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher uses the historical word comments. The Mac Fn+Control+Shift+O notation is withheld pending independent verification; no Mac binding is supplied here.

Try it: Put 12 in B2 and 18 in B4. Add a simple Note to each of those cells; leave B3 unannotated.

  1. Return to a worksheet cell and leave the note editor.
  2. Use the listed combination to select annotated cells.
  3. Inspect B2 and B4 and verify that cell values were not edited.

Result: Annotated cells can be identified without reading each value; no-cells-found is a valid outcome on a sheet without matching annotations.

Legacy notes and modern threaded comments are different features. This scenario does not certify a selection of every modern discussion thread.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+ONot listed
Move the text caret one word rightEditingText insertion caret inside a cell editor, not a selected worksheet cellOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Type Cedar Harbor Review in B2. Enter text-edit mode and place the caret between two words.

  1. Confirm the text caret is visible inside B2.
  2. Use the listed chord once to move toward the right word boundary.
  3. Check the caret position, then press Esc to leave the stored value unchanged.

Result: Only the text caret moves; the active worksheet cell and its stored text remain unchanged.

The same arrows outside edit mode navigate cells. Word-boundary details depend on punctuation and locale; this case uses simple English words.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+RightCtrl+Right
Extend a text selection one word rightEditingText insertion caret inside a cell editor, with no existing text selectionOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Type Cedar Harbor Review in B2. Enter edit mode and place the caret immediately before Harbor for rightward selection, or immediately after Harbor for leftward selection.

  1. Confirm that focus is inside the text editor.
  2. Use the listed chord once to extend the text highlight toward the right.
  3. Inspect the highlighted word boundary; press Esc without typing replacement text.

Result: The text selection grows by a word boundary, while the saved cell value is unchanged.

This selects text, not another worksheet cell. Whitespace can join a word selection; do not infer an exact character count for other strings or languages.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+RightCtrl+Shift+Right
Move the text caret one word leftEditingText insertion caret inside a cell editor, not a selected worksheet cellOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Type Cedar Harbor Review in B2. Enter text-edit mode and place the caret between two words.

  1. Confirm the text caret is visible inside B2.
  2. Use the listed chord once to move toward the left word boundary.
  3. Check the caret position, then press Esc to leave the stored value unchanged.

Result: Only the text caret moves; the active worksheet cell and its stored text remain unchanged.

The same arrows outside edit mode navigate cells. Word-boundary details depend on punctuation and locale; this case uses simple English words.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+LeftCtrl+Left
Extend a text selection one word leftEditingText insertion caret inside a cell editor, with no existing text selectionOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Type Cedar Harbor Review in B2. Enter edit mode and place the caret immediately before Harbor for rightward selection, or immediately after Harbor for leftward selection.

  1. Confirm that focus is inside the text editor.
  2. Use the listed chord once to extend the text highlight toward the left.
  3. Inspect the highlighted word boundary; press Esc without typing replacement text.

Result: The text selection grows by a word boundary, while the saved cell value is unchanged.

This selects text, not another worksheet cell. Whitespace can join a word selection; do not infer an exact character count for other strings or languages.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+LeftCtrl+Shift+Left
Select text from the caret to the cell startEditingText caret in a cell editor containing a single line of textOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Put Cedar Harbor Review in B2, enter edit mode and move the caret to the end of the text.

  1. Confirm that the caret is in the cell text rather than the grid.
  2. Use the listed combination to extend the text selection toward the beginning.
  3. Inspect the highlight and press Esc to preserve the original value.

Result: The single-line text before the caret is highlighted; the worksheet selection does not expand.

Mac notation targets a compact keyboard using Fn+Left for Home. Multiline editing and other keyboard layouts are not certified by this example.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Shift+HomeFn+Shift+Left
Right-align cell labels with Ribbon keysFormattingWindows English desktop Excel, grid focus, not inside a text editorOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher lists Cmd+R for Mac but warns that Fill Right overrides it. The conflicting Mac binding is withheld; use the visible Alignment controls on Mac.

Try it: Put Cedar in B2 and Harbor in B3, with both cells left-aligned. Select B2:B3.

  1. Press and release Alt+H to open the Home tab key tips.
  2. Press A, then R in sequence while the key tips are active.
  3. Compare the label positions and inspect the underlying cell values.

Result: The selected labels align to their right cell edges without changing the stored strings.

The comma separates successive presses. This Windows English Ribbon sequence is not a held Alt+H+A+R chord.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+H,A,RNot listed
Toggle the upward diagonal border in Format CellsFormattingWindows Format Cells dialog with its Border tab activeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select one empty cell B2. Open Format Cells and choose the Border tab.

  1. Confirm the Border tab is active before using the chord.
  2. Use the listed chord and inspect the border preview; use it again to check the toggle.
  3. Choose the intended final preview, then confirm the dialog, or cancel to leave the worksheet unchanged.

Result: The diagonal preview switches between absent and present; committing affects the cell border, not its content.

These letters are dialog accelerators, not Home Ribbon commands. Inside-border controls need a range with multiple rows or columns. No Mac equivalent is sourced here.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+DNot listed
Toggle inside horizontal borders in Format CellsFormattingWindows Format Cells dialog with its Border tab activeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select B2:D4, open Format Cells and choose the Border tab.

  1. Confirm the Border tab is active before using the chord.
  2. Use the listed chord and inspect the border preview; use it again to check the toggle.
  3. Choose the intended final preview, then confirm the dialog, or cancel to leave the worksheet unchanged.

Result: Interior horizontal separators toggle in the preview and, after confirmation, across the selected multirow range.

These letters are dialog accelerators, not Home Ribbon commands. Inside-border controls need a range with multiple rows or columns. No Mac equivalent is sourced here.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+HNot listed
Toggle inside vertical borders in Format CellsFormattingWindows Format Cells dialog with its Border tab activeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select B2:D4, open Format Cells and choose the Border tab.

  1. Confirm the Border tab is active before using the chord.
  2. Use the listed chord and inspect the border preview; use it again to check the toggle.
  3. Choose the intended final preview, then confirm the dialog, or cancel to leave the worksheet unchanged.

Result: Interior vertical separators toggle in the preview and, after confirmation, across the selected multicolumn range.

These letters are dialog accelerators, not Home Ribbon commands. Inside-border controls need a range with multiple rows or columns. No Mac equivalent is sourced here.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+VNot listed
Focus the Name Box without changing the selectionFormulasWindows desktop Excel 2016 or later; focus in the worksheet gridOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Select B2:B4 and note the current address shown beside the formula bar.

  1. Use the listed chord to focus the Name Box above the grid.
  2. Confirm that B2:B4 remains selected; pressing the chord alone does not name or move the range.
  3. Press Esc to return focus without entering a new name or address.

Result: Keyboard focus reaches the Name Box while the worksheet selection remains unchanged.

The publisher scopes this Windows shortcut to Excel 2016 onward. Mac pane cycling is an alternative workflow, not an equivalent direct binding; no Mac binding is assigned.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+F3Not listed
Open the Group row-or-column choiceOutliningA partial cell range is selected, not entire rows or columnsOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Put sample records in B2:D6 and select the partial range C3:D5.

  1. Confirm that complete row or column headers are not selected.
  2. Use the listed chord and inspect the Group dialog before choosing an axis.
  3. Cancel this first attempt; repeat only when ready to choose the intended Rows or Columns option.

Result: The Group dialog requests an axis; merely opening and cancelling it leaves the worksheet unchanged.

A whole-row or whole-column selection can execute grouping directly instead of opening this dialog. Grouping outlines is different from grouping worksheets.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+Shift+RightCmd+Shift+K
Open the Ungroup row-or-column choiceOutliningA partial cell range is selected, not entire rows or columnsOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Put sample records in B2:D6 and select the partial range C3:D5. First create a row group in the spare worksheet so there is an outline to remove.

  1. Confirm that complete row or column headers are not selected.
  2. Use the listed chord and inspect the Ungroup dialog before choosing an axis.
  3. Cancel this first attempt; repeat only when ready to choose the intended Rows or Columns option.

Result: The Ungroup dialog requests an axis; merely opening and cancelling it leaves the worksheet unchanged.

A whole-row or whole-column selection can execute grouping directly instead of opening this dialog. Grouping outlines is different from grouping worksheets.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+Shift+LeftCmd+Shift+J
Zoom the worksheet with a held scrolling gestureWindow managementPointer over an Excel worksheet, with the current zoom percentage visibleOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Open a worksheet with several populated cells and note its current zoom percentage.

  1. Keep focus on the worksheet and hold Control.
  2. Scroll a small amount in one direction, inspect the zoom percentage, then scroll back.
  3. Release Control and restore the starting zoom through the visible zoom control if needed.

Result: The worksheet scale changes while cell values remain the same.

This is a held gesture, not typing the word scroll. Trackpad direction, system-wide zoom interception and peripheral settings vary; no system preference is changed by this lesson.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+scrollCtrl+scroll
Hide a selected PivotTable item through its filterPivotTablesAn item label inside a PivotTable, not an ordinary source cell or a subtotalOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Build a PivotTable from Region/Units rows North/7, South/5 and North/3. Put Region on rows and Sum of Units in Values; start unfiltered.

  1. Select the South item label inside the PivotTable.
  2. Use the listed combination and inspect the row-label filter.
  3. Confirm South is excluded; restore the filter and verify the original report returns.

Result: The item is filtered out of the report while all three source records remain intact; restoring the filter recovers totals North 10 and South 5.

Outside a PivotTable this key can delete cells. Confirm selection context and use a disposable source. Hidden items affect the visible report population.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+-Ctrl+-
Create a chart sheet from the selected PivotTablePivotTablesA cell inside a populated PivotTable on desktop ExcelOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Build a PivotTable with Team and Sum of Hours from Cedar/6, Harbor/4 and Cedar/2. Select a report data cell.

  1. Confirm that the active cell belongs to the PivotTable rather than the raw source.
  2. Use the listed key and inspect the newly created chart sheet.
  3. Check the chart uses the pivot categories and totals; return to the PivotTable to inspect its fields.

Result: A separate chart sheet represents the current pivot report; verify Cedar 8 and Harbor 4 before treating it as the intended result.

The publisher lists Fn+F11 on Mac. Function-key and OS behavior vary. A normal range creates an ordinary chart; no native PivotChart refresh/edit round trip is certified here.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

F11Fn+F11
Open the legacy PivotTable Wizard on WindowsPivotTablesWindows desktop Excel supporting legacy menu access; worksheet focusOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Prepare a simple rectangular source with headers Item and Units and select a cell within it.

  1. Press and release Alt+D, then P in sequence.
  2. Inspect the dialog identity and source options before continuing.
  3. Cancel the wizard after inspection so no report is created accidentally.

Result: The legacy PivotTable Wizard is inspected without creating or overwriting a report.

Do not hold all keys together. The publisher warns that the wizard disappeared on Mac 2016; its historical Mac key is withheld. Insert > PivotTable is the current menu alternative.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+D,PNot listed
Duplicate a selected worksheet drawing objectObjectsWindows drawing object selected by its border, not a worksheet cell or text insertion caretOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher notes that Cmd+D does not appear to work in Mac Excel 365. The conflicting Mac binding is withheld; use object copy/paste there.

Try it: In a spare worksheet, create a text box containing Quarterly review. Select its outer border so sizing handles are visible.

  1. Confirm that the object border, not its text, is selected.
  2. Use the listed combination once and inspect the second object.
  3. Move the copy aside to compare its text and formatting with the original.

Result: Two separate drawing objects retain the same text and appearance; grid cells are not filled down.

Ctrl+D on a selected cell means Fill Down, a different operation.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+DNot listed
Align drawing edges to cell boundaries while draggingObjectsA selected drawing object being moved or resized on a worksheetOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Create a rectangle over B2:D4 in a spare worksheet and make its edges intentionally fall between cell boundaries.

  1. Select the rectangle border or an appropriate sizing handle.
  2. Hold the listed modifier while dragging an edge toward a visible cell boundary.
  3. Release and inspect the aligned edges; undo if the placement is unwanted.

Result: The object can be positioned or resized against the worksheet grid without editing cell values.

The modifier accompanies a mouse gesture, not a standalone key command. Screen scaling and hidden gridlines affect visual inspection; global Snap to Grid settings are not toggled.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Alt+dragCmd+drag
Open a cell menu to remove a legacy noteEditingA disposable cell with a simple legacy Note; grid focus, outside its editorOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

This is an explicit context-menu alternative, not a certified one-sequence delete shortcut. Notes and threaded comments are not interchangeable.

Try it: Put 42 in B2 and add a simple Note reading Check source. Do this only in a disposable workbook, not a collaborative comment thread.

  1. Select B2 and use the listed chord to open its context menu.
  2. Inspect the menu and navigate to Delete Note using the arrow keys or pointer; do not rely on a fixed menu letter.
  3. Choose that explicit item, then check that the note is removed while B2 still contains 42.

Result: The disposable note is removed by a verified menu choice; the shortcut itself only opens the menu.

The publisher key table ends in D while its Windows prose says m; neither final letter is certified here. The Mac source describes arrow navigation. Modern discussion threads require their own reviewed deletion workflow.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Shift+F10Fn+Shift+F10
Select direct inputs of a formulaSelectionA selected formula cell outside edit modeOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The Mac publisher Control+[ and Microsoft Control+Shift+[ entries conflict. The Mac binding remains withheld pending native verification.

Try it: Put 5 in B2, =B2*3 in C2 and =C2+2 in D2. Select D2.

  1. Confirm D2 holds =C2+2 and the text editor is closed.
  2. Use the listed chord once.
  3. Inspect C2 as the direct input, and distinguish B2 as an indirect input through C2.

Result: C2 is the selected direct precedent of D2 in this example.

Direct inputs and all ancestors are different operations. Other sheets and compound references need separate checks.

Windows: Desktop key table and operation notes; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+[Not listed
Commit a value typed into a Ribbon controlRibbonA valid value has been typed into an editable Ribbon control, not the worksheetOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: In a spare workbook, put Cedar in B2. Select it, focus the Ribbon font-size box and replace its current value with 14.

  1. Confirm that the font-size control contains the pending value 14.
  2. Use the listed confirmation key, then inspect the applied font size for B2.
  3. Return to the grid and verify the stored text Cedar has not changed.

Result: The control value is committed to the selected cell formatting, while the cell text remains Cedar.

A focused button and an editable value control are different contexts. Use a valid size; validation dialogs require their own response.

Windows: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

EnterReturn
Open Help for a focused Ribbon controlRibbonWindows desktop Excel with a Ribbon control holding keyboard focusOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: In a spare workbook, give the Home Ribbon keyboard focus and use Tab to focus a formatting control without activating it.

  1. Confirm focus is on the intended control rather than in a cell editor.
  2. Press the listed key and inspect the Help surface that opens.
  3. Check the Help topic against the focused control, then close Help and return to the workbook.

Result: Help is requested for the selected control without executing its formatting command.

This is contextual Help, not a tooltip. Function-key and network behavior can vary; no Mac equivalent is listed in the reviewed source.

Windows: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

F1Not listed
Select text from the caret to the end of a cellEditingA caret inside a single-line cell text editor, outside the formula barOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

Try it: Type Cedar Harbor Review in B2. Enter cell-edit mode and place the caret immediately before Harbor.

  1. Confirm the text caret is inside B2, not a grid selection.
  2. Use the listed combination and inspect the text highlight extending to the end.
  3. Press Esc without typing to keep the saved text unchanged.

Result: The suffix Harbor Review is selected for this single-line example; the worksheet range does not expand.

This is different from Ctrl+Shift+End in a formula-bar editor. Mac notation uses Fn+Right for End; multiline text and other layouts need separate checks.

Windows: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Mac: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Shift+EndFn+Shift+Right
Paste evaluated cell values without their formulasPaste SpecialWindows desktop Microsoft 365 supporting direct Paste Values, or the separately sourced Mac menu workflowOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

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.

Try it: 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.

  1. Copy C2 with its current result 21, then select E2 outside edit mode.
  2. On Home, open the Paste menu and choose Paste Values; inspect E2 and its formula bar.
  3. Change B2 from 7 to 9 and verify C2 recalculates to 27 while E2 remains 21.

Result: C2 becomes 27 after the edit, while E2 remains the constant 21 with no copied formula.

This case copies an Excel cell, not external rich text. Direct paste support is version-dependent; use Paste Special > Values if unsupported.

mac: Paste menu options / Paste Values. Microsoft menu instructions ↗

Windows: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+Shift+VMenu workflow
Inspect the print preview without submitting a print jobFilesDesktop Excel workbook; the Windows Print/Preview surface or the documented Mac Print menuOpen step-by-step walkthrough →
Usage & source

The publisher explicitly states that modern Windows Ctrl+P opens the same Print/Preview surface; Microsoft documents that workflow. The historical Ctrl+F2 key is withheld. Mac uses a separately sourced menu method.

Try it: In a disposable workbook, put Team and Hours in A1:B1 with Cedar/8 and Harbor/5 below. Save unrelated work before opening the print interface.

  1. Choose File > Print to open the Mac Print dialog for the intended worksheet.
  2. Inspect the preview area and use its page arrows if more than one page is available.
  3. Choose Cancel to return without sending a print job.

Result: The print layout can be inspected while all cell values remain unchanged and no print job is submitted.

Do not confirm a Print button. Printer setup and page layout affect the preview. Ctrl+F2 has conflicting current documentation and is not an accepted answer here.

mac: Mac / Preview pages in the Print dialog. Microsoft menu instructions ↗

Windows: Publisher operation notes and key table; reviewed 2026-10-18. Exceljet publisher reference ↗

Ctrl+PMenu workflow

Desktop Excel, US keyboard layout. Per-platform links distinguish Microsoft documentation from separately labelled publisher documentation. Neither is native keyboard certification. A plus sign joins held keys; commas mark successive presses. Arrow means choose a direction. Drag and Click include mouse gestures. On Mac, Fn may be required. Blank bindings mean no accepted source in this catalog, not lack of app support. Conflicting or version-ambiguous bindings can be withheld. Recall excludes reviewed alternatives and equivalent physical US-layout keys from incorrect choices. Separately sourced menu workflows can remain available with blank keyboard bindings and are excluded from key recall. Catalog updated 2026-10-18. Microsoft reference ↗