THE SHORTCUT REFERENCE

Microsoft Excel
keyboard shortcuts.

A few repeatable keys go a long way in a spreadsheet. Use these desktop Excel defaults for everyday workbook work. Editing mode, keyboard language and function-key settings can change their behavior.

16 actionsWindows · macOS

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The complete starter reference

Official reference ↗

Defaults for desktop apps and US keyboard layouts. On some keyboards, function keys need Fn. Reviewed 2026-10-06. Search filters above apply to this reference too.

Files

Save workbook

Save the current workbook.

Windows
CtrlS
macOS
CmdS
Files

Open workbook

Choose an existing workbook.

Windows
CtrlO
macOS
CmdO
Editing

Copy cells

Copy the selection.

Windows
CtrlC
macOS
CmdC
Editing

Paste cells

Insert clipboard contents.

Windows
CtrlV
macOS
CmdV
Editing

Cut cells

Move the selection.

Windows
CtrlX
macOS
CmdX
Editing

Undo

Reverse the last change.

Windows
CtrlZ
macOS
CmdZ
Formatting

Bold text

Toggle bold formatting.

Windows
CtrlB
macOS
CmdB
Formatting

Italic text

Toggle italic formatting.

Windows
CtrlI
macOS
CmdI
Formatting

Format cells

Open detailed cell formatting.

Windows
Ctrl1
macOS
Cmd1
Navigation

Find

Find content in your sheet.

Windows
CtrlF
macOS
CmdF
Editing

Fill down

Copy the top cell downward.

Windows
CtrlD
macOS
CmdD
Editing

Fill right

Copy the leftmost cell rightward.

Windows
CtrlR
macOS
CmdR
Editing

New line in cell

Add a line while editing.

Windows
AltEnter
macOS
CtrlOptionEnter
Selection

Select row

Select the current row.

Windows
ShiftSpace
macOS
ShiftSpace
Selection

Select column

Select the current column.

Windows
CtrlSpace
macOS
CtrlSpace

When the keys do something else

The active tool, selection or input field matters. Check your app’s keyboard shortcut settings and the official Excel reference if a combination behaves differently. Customized shortcuts and extensions can override these defaults.

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