Function Keys in Excel are a handy and faster way of doing certain tasks by using keyboard instead of mouse. In this article we are going to discuss about the use of excel function keys (F1 to F12). Function keys provide same output in all versions of Excel making it easier to recall. Before we head onto our topic, let us first know about the history of function keys and how do they work. How Function Keys Work: Function Keys generate fixed, single byte code which is outside the range of normally used ASCII Codes. These ASCII Codes are interpreted by the application program like Excel, Word, Paint, etc.
A clear list of over 200 Excel shortcuts for both Windows and Mac, side-by-side. Close current workbook. This article describes keyboard shortcuts, function keys, and some other common shortcut keys for Excel. This includes the access keys that you can use for ribbon commands. For Excel Online, see Keyboard shortcuts in Excel Online.
Hence the use of Function Keys might vary from one application to another except for some keys like F1 which always provides you with the “Help” options of the application. History of Function Keys: It might amaze you to know that the original “Personal Computer Keyboard” from IBM in 1981 had only 10 Function Keys, F1 to F10. The concept of 12 Function Keys was introduced 31 years ago, in the year 1984 by using Model M type of Computer Keyboards. Now let’s jump to our topic, “Excel Function Keys” to get an insight about all the 12 Functions and how to use them. We will also be discussing the output given by using function keys with Alt, Shift, and Ctrl Keys. This is a long post of around 3000 + words.
So, below is a tabular format for you to know about the F1 to F12 function keys in excel in an easy to digest manner. Function Keys Alt Ctrl Shift Alt + Shift Ctrl + Shift Alt + Ctrl Alt + Ctrl + Shift F1 Opens Excel Help Insert a New Chart Minimize or Maximize the ribbon No Output Add new worksheet No Output No Output No Output F2 Edit contents of an excel Opens Save As dialog box Opens Print options Insert or Edit a comment in selected cell Saves the workbook No Output Opens the “File Open Dialog Box”. Opens Print options F3 Paste Named Range or Named List No Output Opens Name Manager Opens dialog box to select functions to insert in the selected cell No Output Create names from the row or column labels for the selected cell(s) Provide name the selected range or cell. No Output F4 Toggles between cell references – Absolute, Relative and Mixed Reference. Also repeats last action performed in workbook.
Closes all the open excel workbooks. Closes all the open excel workbooks. Select the empty cell available next in the right direction to the current selection. Closes all the open excel workbooks.
Same as Alt + F4 Function. Select the empty cell available next in the left direction to the current selection. Closes all the open excel workbooks. Same as Alt + F4 Function.
Closes the current open excel workbook window. F5 Displays the “Go To” dialog box. No Output Restores the window size from maximum of the current open excel workbook. Opens the “Find and Replace” Window. No Output No Output No Output No Output F6 Switch between the panes of an excel workbook if you have a split window. If not switches between help task pane and application window.
No Output Switch to the previous excel workbook if you have multiple workbooks open. Switch between the panes of an excel workbook if you have a split window. If not switches between help task pane and application window. No Output Switch to the previous excel workbook if you have multiple workbooks open.
No Output No Output F7 Opens the “Spelling” option in excel using which you can check the spellings in your workbook No Output Moves the excel window. Works only if your workbook is in a restored window. Opens the “Research” task pane in your excel workbook. No Output No Output No Output No Output F8 Enables and disables “Extend Mode” selection in excel. Open the “Macros” dialog box.
Moves the excel window. Works only if your workbook is in a restored window. Select cell or multiple cells or a range of cells using arrow keys.
No Output No Output No Output No Output F9 Recalculates the output of all formulas in your excel workbook. If editing a cell having formula then replaces the value of the formula in cell.
No Output Minimizes the Excel window. Recalculates the output of all formulas in your excel workbook. No Output No Output Recalculates the output of all formulas in your excel workbook. All the dependent formulas are rechecked and recalculated in all the open workbooks. It also works for the cell which are not marked for recalculation. F10 Displays the keyboard shortcut for the excel ribbon also known as excel tips. Display the selection window in excel.
Resizes or restores the excel window if its open in maximum window first. Similarly it maximizes the excel window if its open in restored window initially.
Displays the shortcut window for the selected cell, same as right clicking the mouse on the selected cell. If “Help Window” of Excel is opened then it displays the set of commands for Help Window. Displays the menu for the “Smart Tag” if only a single “Smart Tag” is present in your workbook. In case of multiple “Smart Tags” it simply toggles to next smart tag and displays its menu. Displays the shortcut window for the selected cell, same as right clicking the mouse on the selected cell.
If “Help Window” of Excel is opened then it displays the set of commands for Help Window. No Output No Output F11 Adds a chart to your excel. If you hit F11 after selecting a specific data range then it uses the same range in chart. Opens Microsoft Visual Basic Editor. If VB Editor is already open then by pressing this key you can toggle between the Excel workbook and editor.
Adds a macro sheet in your currently open excel workbook with a default name like “Macro1, Macro2, etc” Inserts a “New Sheet” in your currently open excel workbook. Displays the Microsoft Script editor for your current open excel workbook No Output No Output No Output F12 Opens “Save As” dialog box like “Alt + F2” keys. No Output Opens the “File Open Dialog Box”. Saves the workbook like “Alt + Shift + F2” keys.
No Output Opens Print options. No Output No Output F1 Key: “F1” is used for opening “Excel Help”. Its output is same as obtained by clicking on “question mark button” available on top right hand side of your excel sheets as highlighted in below image.
Alt + F1: If you use “Alt and F1” Keys together then it will insert a new chart in your excel and will open the chart options. It is a column chart by default as shown in below image. Ctrl + F1: You can minimize or maximize the ribbon of excel by pressing “Ctrl & F1” Keys together. By minimizing the ribbon only tab names will be displayed on the ribbon. This could also be achieved by clicking on the button highlighted in below image: Shift + F1: Unfortunately, “Shift + F1” Keys alone does not provide any output. However, it works when Alt button is pressed.
Alt + Shift + F1: A new worksheet is added to the workbook in which you are working currently by holding Alt + Shift + F1 Keys together. Ctrl + Shift + F1: This set of keys when pressed together does not give any output either like “Shift + F1” Keys. Alt + Ctrl + F1: This set of keys when pressed together does not give any output either like “Shift + F1” and “Ctrl + Shift + F1” keys.
Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F1: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F1” does not provide any output. F2 Key: Using “F2” Key, you edit the contents of a cell in excel. If you select a cell that is filled with some value and then press “F2” Key, then it will allow you to insert at the end of the current content in cell. However if you press “F2” for an empty cell then it simply allows you to type in the empty cell. If editing directly in cells is disabled in your workbook, then by pressing “F2” you can edit the contents in Formula Bar.
In case you are unaware that if direct editing is disabled or not then just follow below steps:. Click on “File Menu”. Select “Options” and then select “Advanced”. In the “Advanced Option” for Excel, verify if the check-box against “Allow editing directly in cells” is ticked or not as shown in below image.
Alt + F2: By holding “Alt + F2” keys together the “Save As” dialog box opens for saving the excel workbook. Ctrl + F2: To open Print options you can just hold “Ctrl + F2” keys together. It opens the same printing options as shown in below image which could also be opened by clicking on “File menu” and then by selecting “Print Option”. Shift + F2: Insert comments in a cell by just holding “Shift and F2” Keys together. You can also edit the existing comments in the selected cell using “Shift + F2” keys.
Alt + Shift + F2: This set of keys “Alt + Shift + F2” when pressed together saves the workbook. It is same as “Ctrl + S” keys. Ctrl + Shift + F2: “Ctrl + Shift + F2” Keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F2: This set of keys “Alt + Ctrl + F2” when pressed together opens the “File Open Dialog Box”.
It is same as “Ctrl + O” function. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F2: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F2” keys open the print option in excel, same as “Ctrl + F2” keys. F3 Key: “F3” key helps you to paste name or paste list into the selected cell as displayed in below image.
This function key will not work until and unless the list that you have created is having a “named range”. You can refer this if you are not aware of a “named range”. Alt + F3: “Alt + F3” Keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + F3: If you hold “Ctrl + F3” keys together then “Name Manager” dialog box is opened as shown in below image. If you want to know about “Name Manager” in a detailed manner then you can.
Shift + F3: “Shift + F3” keys when pressed together opens a window using which you can insert any function of your choice in the selected cell. Alt + Shift + F3: “Alt + Shift + F3” keys don’t provide any output.
Ctrl + Shift + F3: “Ctrl + Shift + F3” Keys are used to “create names” from the row or column labels as shown in below screenshot. Although you can create the names for the selected cell from the values of top row, bottom row, left column or right column as per your preference. Alt + Ctrl + F3: “Alt + Ctrl + F3” keys are used to provide name the selected range or cell. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F3: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F3” keys don’t provide any output. F4 Key: “F4” key provides you two different outputs depending on what you are doing currently in your excel. If you are editing, then it will cycle you through the all three types of references, like – absolute reference, relative reference and mixed reference.
Refer below example for detail. As displayed in below image in the selected cell of excel, we are first using the relative reference of Cell having Student A’s marks in English Subject. After pressing “F4” key it toggles and suggests the absolute reference of same cell and again by pressing “F4” key the mixed reference of the cell are suggested. If you are new to these terms of references – then you can to understand these in details. In addition to toggling the reference of a cell, “F4” keys also repeats the last action performed in workbook.
Although, this could also be achieved using “Ctrl + Y” keys. Example: If you have just inserted or deleted a row or column in your workbook then by pressing “F4” key you can repeat the action of insertion or deletion of rows and or columns. Likewise if you have just pasted something in your workbook, then using “F4” you can repeat it. Alt + F4: I believe you all would be aware what magic “Alt + F4” keys do. For those who don’t know, by pressing “Alt + F4” excel would be closed. It will prompt you for a confirmation to save changes if there are any.
Ctrl + F4: Using “Ctrl & F4” keys you can close the current open excel workbook window. It does the same operation as done by the “Close Window” button available on Excel workbook.
Shift + F4: “Shift + F4” keys select the empty cell available next in the right direction to the current selection. It toggles in the same row until it finds the data, after which it goes to next row available.
Alt + Shift + F4: “Alt + Shift + F4” keys provide same output as “Alt + F4” Keys, that is it will quit excel thereby closing all open excel workbooks. Ctrl + Shift + F4: “Ctrl + Shift + F4” keys select the empty cell available next in the left direction to the current selection. It toggles in the same row until it finds the data, after which it goes to next row available. Note that the difference between “Ctrl + Shift + F4” keys and “Shift + F4” keys is the direction in which movement is done.
The cells are toggled in left direction using “Ctrl + Shift + F4” keys and in right direction using “Shift + F4” keys. Alt + Ctrl + F4: “Alt + Ctrl + F4” keys provide same output as “Alt + F4” Keys, that is it will quit excel thereby closing all open excel workbooks. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F4: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F4” keys closes all open excels like “Alt + F4” Keys. F5 Key: “F5” key displays the “Go To” dialog box. “Go To” box will list down the valid “named range” available in the opened excel workbook.
Along with this you can enter the reference of cell where you want to go in the “Reference” text box. Using “Special” button you can go to the various options as displayed in below image – comments, constants, formula, etc. Alt + F5: “Alt + F5” don’t provide any output.
Ctrl + F5: “Ctrl + F5” keys when hit together restore window size from maximum of the current open excel workbook. Although, using it again after restore does not maximize the window. Shift + F5: “Shift + F5” keys when hold together opens the “Find and Replace” Window. Alt + Shift + F5: “Alt + Shift + F5” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F5: “Ctrl + Shift + F5” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F5: “Alt + Ctrl + F5” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F5: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F5” don’t provide any output.
F6 Key: “F6” key is used to switch between the panes of an excel workbook if you have a split window in the current sheet of your excel workbook. If your sheet is not split then “F6” key will shift between the help task pane and application window. Alt + F6: “Alt + F6” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + F6: Using “Ctrl + F6” keys you can switch to the previous excel workbook if you have multiple workbooks open. Shift + F6: “Shift + F6” keys works same as “F6” key. Alt + Shift + F6: “Alt + Shift + F6” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F6: “Ctrl + Shift + F6” keys works same as “Ctrl + F6” key.
Alt + Ctrl + F6: “Alt + Ctrl + F6” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F6: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F6” don’t provide any output. F7 Key: “F7” key opens the “Spelling” option in excel using which you can check the spellings in your workbook. It provides the same output as you get by navigating to “Review” Tab on top of excel ribbon and then clicking on “Spelling” button. Alt + F7: “Alt + F7” keys don’t provide any output.
Ctrl + F7: “Ctrl + F7” keys move the excel window of the current workbook which is open. However it works only if your workbook is in a restored window. Shift + F7: “Shift + F7” opens the “Research” task pane in your excel workbook. It provides the same output as you get by navigating to “Review” Tab on top of excel ribbon and then clicking on “Research” button.
Alt + Shift + F7: “Alt +Shift + F7” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F7: “Ctrl +Shift + F7” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F7: “Ctrl +Shift + F7” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F7: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F7” don’t provide any output.
F8 Key: “F8” key enables and disables “Extend Mode” selection in excel. By enabling “extend mode” you can select multiple cells at a time. Likewise by disabling “Extend Mode” the cell selection would be set to one cell at a time. Alt + F8: “Alt + F8” keys open the “Macros” dialog box as shown in below image: Ctrl + F8: “Ctrl + F8” keys move the excel window of the current workbook which is open. However it works only if your workbook is in a restored window.
It provides the same output as “Ctrl + F7” keys. Shift + F8: “Shift + F8” keys provide you an option to select cell or multiple cells or a range of cells using arrow keys. Alt + Shift + F8: “Alt +Shift + F8” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F8 “Ctrl +Shift + F8” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F8 “Alt +Ctrl + F8” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F8: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F8” don’t provide any output.
F9 Key: F9 key recalculates output of all formulas in your excel workbook. Please note that it will update all the formulas present in various sheet of the open excel workbook. If you are editing a cell having a formula and press F9 key then it will replace the cell having formula with the value of that formula. Alt + F9: “Alt + F9” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + F9: Using “Ctrl + F9” keys your excel window will be minimized. Although pressing it again would not maximize the screen again.
Shift + F9: The function of “Shift + F9” keys is same as “F9” key. It recalculates all the formulas in your excel workbook. Alt + Shift + F9: “Alt + Shift + F9” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F9: “Ctrl + Shift + F9” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F9: The function of “Alt + Ctrl+ F9” keys is same as “F9” key or “Shift + F9” keys. It recalculates all the formulas in your excel workbook.
Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F9: Using “Alt + Shift + Ctrl + F9” keys, all the dependent formulas are rechecked and recalculated in all the open workbooks. It also works for the cell which are not marked for recalculation. F10 Key: Using “F10” key you get the Excel Tips – the keyboard shortcuts for excel ribbon. Its output is same as obtained by pressing the “Alt” key.
Alt + F10: “Alt + F10” keys display the selection window in excel as shown in below image. Ctrl + F10: “Ctrl + F10” keys resizes or restores the excel window if it is open in maximum window first.
Similarly it maximizes the excel window if it is open in restored window initially. Shift + F10: “Shift + F10” keys display the excel shortcut window also known as “Context Menu” for the selected cell.
Its output is same as you obtain by right clicking the mouse on the selected cell. If “Help Window” of Excel is opened then it displays the set of commands for Help Window. Alt + Shift + F10: “Alt + Shift + F10” keys displays the menu for the “Smart Tag” if only a single “Smart Tag” is present in your workbook. In case of multiple “Smart Tags” it simply toggles to next smart tag and displays its menu. Ctrl + Shift + F10: “Ctrl + Shift + F10” keys works same as “Shift + F10” keys. Alt + Ctrl + F10: “Alt + Ctrl + F10” keys don’t provide any output.
Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F10: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F10” keys don’t provide any output. F11 Key: “F11” key adds a chart to your excel.
If you hit F11 after selecting a specific data range then it uses the same range in chart. Alt + F11: “Alt + F11” keys open the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor. If VB Editor is already open then by pressing this key you can toggle between the Excel workbook and editor. Ctrl + F11: “Ctrl + F11” keys add a macro sheet in your currently open excel workbook with a default name like “Macro1, Macro2, etc”. These “Macro Sheets” were actually used to store macros in the excel versions prior to Excel 97. They are not being used anymore.
Shift + F11: “Shift + F11” keys insert a “New Sheet” in your currently open excel workbook. The new sheet is added on the left hand side of the sheet where you are currently working. Alt + Shift + F11: “Alt + Shift + F11” displays the Microsoft Script editor for your current open excel workbook. Microsoft Editor was an additional tool provided by Microsoft in version from MS Office 2000 to 2007. It allows you to work in a large variety of codes in office products ranging from: HTML code, DHTML objects, Java Script and VB Script.
Ctrl + Shift + F11: “Ctrl + Shift + F11” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + F11: “Alt + Ctrl + F11” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F11: “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F11” keys don’t provide any output. F12 Key: “F12” key opens the “Save As” dialog box to save your current open excel workbook. You can also use “Alt + F2” for same output. Alt + F12: “Alt + F12” keys don’t provide any output.
Ctrl + F12: This set of keys “Ctrl + F12” when pressed together opens the “File Open Dialog Box”. It is same as “Ctrl + O” function and opens below window. You can also use “Alt + Ctrl + F2” for the same output as well. Shift + F12: This set of keys “Shift + F12” when pressed together saves the workbook. It is same as “Ctrl + S” keys. You can also use “Alt + Shift + F2” for same output as well.
Alt + Shift + F12: “Alt + Shift + F12” keys don’t provide any output. Ctrl + Shift + F12: “Ctrl + Shift + F12” keys open the print options. “Ctrl + F2” keys and “Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F2” keys also do the same function. Alt + Ctrl + F12: “Alt + Ctrl + F12” keys don’t provide any output. Alt + Ctrl + Shift + F12: “Alt +Ctrl + Shift + F12” keys don’t provide any output.
So, these were the 96 types of ways in which you can use the 12 excel functions keys (F1 to F12).
Notes:. To keep this reference available when you work, you may want to print this topic.
To print this topic, press Ctrl+P. Download our quick tips guide. Get these keyboard shortcuts in a Word document: Frequently used shortcuts If you're new to the Ribbon, the information in this section can help you understand the Ribbon's keyboard shortcut model.
The Ribbon comes with new shortcuts, called Key Tips, which you can make appear when you press the Alt key. The Ribbon groups related commands on tabs. For example, on the Home tab, the Number group includes the Number Format command. This table lists the most frequently used shortcuts in Excel. Note: If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can to create one.
Keyboard access to the ribbon If you're new to the Ribbon, the information in this section can help you understand the Ribbon's keyboard shortcut model. The Ribbon comes with new shortcuts, called Key Tips, which you can make appear when you press the Alt key.
To display a tab on the Ribbon, press the key for the tab—for example, press the letter N for the Insert tab or M for the Formulas tab. This makes all the Key Tip badges for that tab's buttons appear, as shown in the following image. Then, press the key for the button you want.
Will my old shortcuts still work? Keyboard shortcuts that begin with Ctrl will still work in Microsoft Excel 2013. For example, Ctrl+C still copies to the clipboard, and Ctrl+V still pastes from the clipboard. Most of the old Alt+ menu shortcuts still work, too. However, you need to know the full shortcut from memory — there are no screen reminders of what letters to press.
For example, try pressing Alt, and then press one of the old menu keys E (Edit), V (View), I (Insert), and so on. A box pops up saying you're using an access key from an earlier version of Microsoft Office. If you know the entire key sequence, go ahead and initiate the command.
If you don't know the sequence, press Esc and use Key Tip badges instead. Ctrl combination shortcut keys Key Description Ctrl+PgDn Switches between worksheet tabs, from left-to-right. Ctrl+PgUp Switches between worksheet tabs, from right-to-left. Ctrl+Shift+& Applies the outline border to the selected cells. Ctrl+Shift Removes the outline border from the selected cells.
Ctrl+Shift+ Applies the General number format. Ctrl+Shift+$ Applies the Currency format with two decimal places (negative numbers in parentheses). Ctrl+Shift+% Applies the Percentage format with no decimal places. Ctrl+Shift+^ Applies the Scientific number format with two decimal places. Ctrl+Shift+# Applies the Date format with the day, month, and year.
Ctrl+Shift+@ Applies the Time format with the hour and minute, and AM or PM. Applies the Number format with two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values. Ctrl+Shift+.
Selects the current region around the active cell (the data area enclosed by blank rows and blank columns). In a PivotTable, it selects the entire PivotTable report. Ctrl+Shift+: Enters the current time. Ctrl+Shift+' Copies the value from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar. Ctrl+Shift+Plus (+) Displays the Insert dialog box to insert blank cells.
Ctrl+Minus (-) Displays the Delete dialog box to delete the selected cells. Ctrl+; Enters the current date. Ctrl+` Alternates between displaying cell values and displaying formulas in the worksheet. Ctrl+' Copies a formula from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar.
Ctrl+1 Displays the Format Cells dialog box. Ctrl+2 Applies or removes bold formatting. Ctrl+3 Applies or removes italic formatting. Ctrl+4 Applies or removes underlining. Ctrl+5 Applies or removes strikethrough. Ctrl+6 Alternates between hiding and displaying objects. Ctrl+8 Displays or hides the outline symbols.
Ctrl+9 Hides the selected rows. Ctrl+0 Hides the selected columns. Ctrl+A Selects the entire worksheet. If the worksheet contains data, Ctrl+A selects the current region. Pressing Ctrl+A a second time selects the entire worksheet. When the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula, displays the Function Arguments dialog box.
Ctrl+Shift+A inserts the argument names and parentheses when the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula. Ctrl+B Applies or removes bold formatting. Ctrl+C Copies the selected cells. Ctrl+D Uses the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below. Ctrl+E Invoke to automatically recognize patterns in adjacent columns and fill the current column Ctrl+F Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Find tab selected.
Shift+F5 also displays this tab, while Shift+F4 repeats the last Find action. Ctrl+Shift+F opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected. Ctrl+G Displays the Go To dialog box. F5 also displays this dialog box. Ctrl+H Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Replace tab selected. Ctrl+I Applies or removes italic formatting. Ctrl+K Displays the Insert Hyperlink dialog box for new hyperlinks or the Edit Hyperlink dialog box for selected existing hyperlinks.
Ctrl+L Displays the Create Table dialog box. Ctrl+N Creates a new, blank workbook. Ctrl+O Displays the Open dialog box to open or find a file. Ctrl+Shift+O selects all cells that contain comments. Ctrl+P Displays the Print tab in Microsoft Office Backstage view. Ctrl+Shift+P opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected.
Ctrl+Q Displays the Quick Analysis options for your data when you have cells that contain that data selected. Ctrl+R Uses the Fill Right command to copy the contents and format of the leftmost cell of a selected range into the cells to the right. Ctrl+S Saves the active file with its current file name, location, and file format. Ctrl+T Displays the Create Table dialog box.
Ctrl+U Applies or removes underlining. Ctrl+Shift+U switches between expanding and collapsing of the formula bar. Ctrl+V Inserts the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point and replaces any selection. Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents. Ctrl+Alt+V displays the Paste Special dialog box.
Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents on a worksheet or in another program. Ctrl+W Closes the selected workbook window. Ctrl+X Cuts the selected cells. Ctrl+Y Repeats the last command or action, if possible. Ctrl+Z Uses the Undo command to reverse the last command or to delete the last entry that you typed. Tip: The Ctrl combinations Ctrl+J and Ctrl+M are currently unassigned shortcuts. Function keys Key Description F1 Displays the Excel Help task pane.
Ctrl+F1 displays or hides the Ribbon. Alt+F1 creates an embedded chart of the data in the current range. Alt+Shift+F1 inserts a new worksheet. F2 Edits the active cell and positions the insertion point at the end of the cell contents. It also moves the insertion point into the Formula Bar when editing in a cell is turned off.
Shift+F2 adds or edits a cell comment. Ctrl+F2 displays the print preview area on the Print tab in the Backstage view. F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box. Available only if names have been defined in the workbook ( Formulas tab, Defined Names group, Define Name). Shift+F3 displays the Insert Function dialog box. F4 Repeats the last command or action, if possible. When a cell reference or range is selected in a formula, F4 cycles through all the various combinations of absolute and relative references.
Ctrl+F4 closes the selected workbook window. Alt+F4 closes Excel. F5 Displays the Go To dialog box. Ctrl+F5 restores the window size of the selected workbook window. F6 Switches between the worksheet, Ribbon, task pane, and Zoom controls. In a worksheet that has been split ( View menu, Manage This Window, Freeze Panes, Split Window command), F6 includes the split panes when switching between panes and the Ribbon area. Shift+F6 switches between the worksheet, Zoom controls, task pane, and Ribbon.
Ctrl+F6 switches to the next workbook window when more than one workbook window is open. F7 Displays the Spelling dialog box to check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range. Ctrl+F7 performs the Move command on the workbook window when it is not maximized.
Use the arrow keys to move the window, and when finished press Enter, or Esc to cancel. F8 Turns extend mode on or off. In extend mode, Extended Selection appears in the status line, and the arrow keys extend the selection. Shift+F8 enables you to add a nonadjacent cell or range to a selection of cells by using the arrow keys. Ctrl+F8 performs the Size command (on the Control menu for the workbook window) when a workbook is not maximized.
Alt+F8 displays the Macro dialog box to create, run, edit, or delete a macro. F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks. Shift+F9 calculates the active worksheet. Ctrl+Alt+F9 calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation.
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F9 rechecks dependent formulas, and then calculates all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated. Ctrl+F9 minimizes a workbook window to an icon. F10 Turns key tips on or off. (Pressing Alt does the same thing.) Shift+F10 displays the shortcut menu for a selected item. Alt+Shift+F10 displays the menu or message for an Error Checking button.
Ctrl+F10 maximizes or restores the selected workbook window. F11 Creates a chart of the data in the current range in a separate Chart sheet. Shift+F11 inserts a new worksheet. Alt+F11 opens the Microsoft Visual Basic For Applications Editor, in which you can create a macro by using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). F12 Displays the Save As dialog box. Other useful shortcuts Key Description Alt Displays the Key Tips (new shortcuts) on the Ribbon.
For example, Alt, W, P switches the worksheet to Page Layout view. Alt, W, L switches the worksheet to Normal view. Alt, W, I switches the worksheet to Page Break Preview view.
Arrow keys Move one cell up, down, left, or right in a worksheet. Ctrl+Arrow key moves to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet. Shift+Arrow key extends the selection of cells by one cell. Ctrl+Shift+Arrow key extends the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, extends the selection to the next nonblank cell.
Left or Right arrow key selects the tab to the left or right when the Ribbon is selected. When a submenu is open or selected, these arrow keys switch between the main menu and the submenu. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate the tab buttons.
Down or Up arrow key selects the next or previous command when a menu or submenu is open. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate up or down the tab group. In a dialog box, arrow keys move between options in an open drop-down list, or between options in a group of options. Down or Alt+Down arrow key opens a selected drop-down list. Backspace Deletes one character to the left in the Formula Bar. Also clears the content of the active cell.
In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the left of the insertion point. Delete Removes the cell contents (data and formulas) from selected cells without affecting cell formats or comments. In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the right of the insertion point. End End turns End mode on or off. In End mode, you can press an arrow key to move to the next nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell. End mode turns off automatically after pressing the arrow key. Make sure to press End again before pressing the next arrow key.
End mode is shown in the status bar when it is on. If the cells are blank, pressing End followed by an arrow key moves to the last cell in the row or column. End also selects the last command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.
Ctrl+End moves to the last cell on a worksheet, to the lowest used row of the rightmost used column. If the cursor is in the formula bar, Ctrl+End moves the cursor to the end of the text. Ctrl+Shift+End extends the selection of cells to the last used cell on the worksheet (lower-right corner). If the cursor is in the formula bar, Ctrl+Shift+End selects all text in the formula bar from the cursor position to the end—this does not affect the height of the formula bar. Enter Completes a cell entry from the cell or the Formula Bar, and selects the cell below (by default). In a data form, it moves to the first field in the next record.
Opens a selected menu (press F10 to activate the menu bar) or performs the action for a selected command. In a dialog box, it performs the action for the default command button in the dialog box (the button with the bold outline, often the OK button). Alt+Enter starts a new line in the same cell. Ctrl+Enter fills the selected cell range with the current entry. Shift+Enter completes a cell entry and selects the cell above.
Esc Cancels an entry in the cell or Formula Bar. Closes an open menu or submenu, dialog box, or message window.
It also closes full screen mode when this mode has been applied, and returns to normal screen mode to display the Ribbon and status bar again. Home Moves to the beginning of a row in a worksheet. Moves to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when Scroll Lock is turned on. Selects the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible.
Ctrl+Home moves to the beginning of a worksheet. Ctrl+Shift+Home extends the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet.
Page Down Moves one screen down in a worksheet. Alt+Page Down moves one screen to the right in a worksheet. Ctrl+Page Down moves to the next sheet in a workbook. Ctrl+Shift+Page Down selects the current and next sheet in a workbook. Page Up Moves one screen up in a worksheet. Alt+Page Up moves one screen to the left in a worksheet. Ctrl+Page Up moves to the previous sheet in a workbook.
Ctrl+Shift+Page Up selects the current and previous sheet in a workbook. Spacebar In a dialog box, performs the action for the selected button, or selects or clears a check box. Ctrl+Spacebar selects an entire column in a worksheet. Shift+Spacebar selects an entire row in a worksheet. Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects the entire worksheet.
If the worksheet contains data, Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects the current region. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar a second time selects the current region and its summary rows.
Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar a third time selects the entire worksheet. When an object is selected, Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar selects all objects on a worksheet.
Alt+Spacebar displays the Control menu for the Excel window. Tab Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet. Moves between unlocked cells in a protected worksheet.
Moves to the next option or option group in a dialog box. Shift+Tab moves to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option in a dialog box. Ctrl+Tab switches to the next tab in dialog box. Ctrl+Shift+Tab switches to the previous tab in a dialog box.
Note: If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can to create one. Will my old shortcuts still work? CTRL combination shortcut keys Function keys Other useful shortcut keys Keyboard access to the ribbon If you're new to the Ribbon, the information in this section can help you understand the Ribbon's keyboard shortcut model. The Ribbon comes with new shortcuts, called Key Tips, which you can make appear when you press the Alt key. To display a tab on the Ribbon, press the key for the tab—for example, press the letter N for the Insert tab or M for the Formulas tab. This makes all the Key Tip badges for that tab's buttons appear.
Then, press the key for the button you want. Will my old shortcuts still work? Keyboard shortcuts that begin with CTRL will still work in Excel 2010. For example, CTRL+C still copies to the clipboard, and CTRL+V still pastes from the clipboard. Most of the old ALT+ menu shortcuts still work, too. However, you need to know the full shortcut from memory — there are no screen reminders of what letters to press. For example, try pressing ALT, and then press one of the old menu keys E (Edit), V (View), I (Insert), and so on.
A box pops up saying you're using an access key from an earlier version of Microsoft Office. If you know the entire key sequence, go ahead and initiate the command. If you don't know the sequence, press ESC and use Key Tip badges instead. Ctrl combination shortcut keys.
Tip: Download or print a Quick Reference Card:. (PDF) Key Description CTRL+PgUp Switches between worksheet tabs, from left-to-right.
CTRL+PgDn Switches between worksheet tabs, from right-to-left. CTRL+SHIFT+( Unhides any hidden rows within the selection. CTRL+SHIFT+& Applies the outline border to the selected cells. CTRL+SHIFT Removes the outline border from the selected cells. CTRL+SHIFT+ Applies the General number format. CTRL+SHIFT+$ Applies the Currency format with two decimal places (negative numbers in parentheses).
CTRL+SHIFT+% Applies the Percentage format with no decimal places. CTRL+SHIFT+^ Applies the Scientific number format with two decimal places. CTRL+SHIFT+# Applies the Date format with the day, month, and year. CTRL+SHIFT+@ Applies the Time format with the hour and minute, and AM or PM. Applies the Number format with two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values. CTRL+SHIFT+. Selects the current region around the active cell (the data area enclosed by blank rows and blank columns).
In a PivotTable, it selects the entire PivotTable report. CTRL+SHIFT+: Enters the current time. CTRL+SHIFT+' Copies the value from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar. CTRL+SHIFT+Plus (+) Displays the Insert dialog box to insert blank cells.
CTRL+Minus (-) Displays the Delete dialog box to delete the selected cells. CTRL+; Enters the current date.
CTRL+` Alternates between displaying cell values and displaying formulas in the worksheet. CTRL+' Copies a formula from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar. CTRL+1 Displays the Format Cells dialog box. CTRL+2 Applies or removes bold formatting. CTRL+3 Applies or removes italic formatting.
CTRL+4 Applies or removes underlining. CTRL+5 Applies or removes strikethrough. CTRL+6 Alternates between hiding and displaying objects.
CTRL+8 Displays or hides the outline symbols. CTRL+9 Hides the selected rows. CTRL+0 Hides the selected columns.
CTRL+A Selects the entire worksheet. If the worksheet contains data, CTRL+A selects the current region. Pressing CTRL+A a second time selects the entire worksheet. When the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula, displays the Function Arguments dialog box.
CTRL+SHIFT+A inserts the argument names and parentheses when the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula. CTRL+B Applies or removes bold formatting. CTRL+C Copies the selected cells. CTRL+D Uses the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below.
CTRL+F Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Find tab selected. SHIFT+F5 also displays this tab, while SHIFT+F4 repeats the last Find action. CTRL+SHIFT+F opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected. CTRL+G Displays the Go To dialog box.
F5 also displays this dialog box. CTRL+H Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Replace tab selected. CTRL+I Applies or removes italic formatting. CTRL+K Displays the Insert Hyperlink dialog box for new hyperlinks or the Edit Hyperlink dialog box for selected existing hyperlinks. CTRL+L Displays the Create Table dialog box. CTRL+N Creates a new, blank workbook. CTRL+O Displays the Open dialog box to open or find a file.
CTRL+SHIFT+O selects all cells that contain comments. CTRL+P Displays the Print tab in Microsoft Office Backstage view. CTRL+SHIFT+P opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected. CTRL+R Uses the Fill Right command to copy the contents and format of the leftmost cell of a selected range into the cells to the right. CTRL+S Saves the active file with its current file name, location, and file format. CTRL+T Displays the Create Table dialog box. CTRL+U Applies or removes underlining.
CTRL+SHIFT+U switches between expanding and collapsing of the formula bar. CTRL+V Inserts the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point and replaces any selection. Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents. CTRL+ALT+V displays the Paste Special dialog box.
Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents on a worksheet or in another program. CTRL+W Closes the selected workbook window. CTRL+X Cuts the selected cells. CTRL+Y Repeats the last command or action, if possible.
CTRL+Z Uses the Undo command to reverse the last command or to delete the last entry that you typed. Tip: Download or print a Quick Reference Card:. (PDF) Key Description F1 Displays the Excel Help task pane.
CTRL+F1 displays or hides the Ribbon. ALT+F1 creates an embedded chart of the data in the current range. ALT+SHIFT+F1 inserts a new worksheet. F2 Edits the active cell and positions the insertion point at the end of the cell contents. It also moves the insertion point into the Formula Bar when editing in a cell is turned off. SHIFT+F2 adds or edits a cell comment. CTRL+F2 displays the print preview area on the Print tab in the Backstage view.
F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box. Available only if there are existing names in the workbook. SHIFT+F3 displays the Insert Function dialog box. F4 Repeats the last command or action, if possible. When a cell reference or range is selected in a formula, F4 cycles through all the various combinations of absolute and relative references. CTRL+F4 closes the selected workbook window. ALT+F4 closes Excel.
F5 Displays the Go To dialog box. CTRL+F5 restores the window size of the selected workbook window. F6 Switches between the worksheet, Ribbon, task pane, and Zoom controls. In a worksheet that has been split ( View menu, Manage This Window, Freeze Panes, Split Window command), F6 includes the split panes when switching between panes and the Ribbon area.
SHIFT+F6 switches between the worksheet, Zoom controls, task pane, and Ribbon. CTRL+F6 switches to the next workbook window when more than one workbook window is open. F7 Displays the Spelling dialog box to check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range. CTRL+F7 performs the Move command on the workbook window when it is not maximized. Use the arrow keys to move the window, and when finished press ENTER, or ESC to cancel.
F8 Turns extend mode on or off. In extend mode, Extended Selection appears in the status line, and the arrow keys extend the selection. SHIFT+F8 enables you to add a nonadjacent cell or range to a selection of cells by using the arrow keys. CTRL+F8 performs the Size command (on the Control menu for the workbook window) when a workbook is not maximized. ALT+F8 displays the Macro dialog box to create, run, edit, or delete a macro. F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks. SHIFT+F9 calculates the active worksheet.
CTRL+ALT+F9 calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation. CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+F9 rechecks dependent formulas, and then calculates all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated. CTRL+F9 minimizes a workbook window to an icon. F10 Turns key tips on or off. (Pressing ALT does the same thing.) SHIFT+F10 displays the shortcut menu for a selected item. ALT+SHIFT+F10 displays the menu or message for an Error Checking button. CTRL+F10 maximizes or restores the selected workbook window.
F11 Creates a chart of the data in the current range in a separate Chart sheet. SHIFT+F11 inserts a new worksheet. ALT+F11 opens the Microsoft Visual Basic For Applications Editor, in which you can create a macro by using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). F12 Displays the Save As dialog box. Other useful shortcuts. Note: Download or print a Quick Reference Card:. (PDF) Key Description ALT Displays the Key Tips (new shortcuts) on the Ribbon.
For example, ALT, W, P switches the worksheet to Page Layout view. ALT, W, L switches the worksheet to Normal view. ALT, W, I switches the worksheet to Page Break Preview view. ARROW KEYS Move one cell up, down, left, or right in a worksheet.
CTRL+ARROW KEY moves to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet. SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells by one cell. CTRL+SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, extends the selection to the next nonblank cell.
LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW selects the tab to the left or right when the Ribbon is selected. When a submenu is open or selected, these arrow keys switch between the main menu and the submenu. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate the tab buttons. DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW selects the next or previous command when a menu or submenu is open. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate up or down the tab group. In a dialog box, arrow keys move between options in an open drop-down list, or between options in a group of options.
DOWN ARROW or ALT+DOWN ARROW opens a selected drop-down list. BACKSPACE Deletes one character to the left in the Formula Bar. Also clears the content of the active cell.
In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the left of the insertion point. DELETE Removes the cell contents (data and formulas) from selected cells without affecting cell formats or comments. In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the right of the insertion point. END END turns End mode on. In End mode, you can then press an arrow key to move to the next nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell.
If the cells are blank, pressing END followed by an arrow key moves to the last cell in the row or column. END also selects the last command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible. CTRL+END moves to the last cell on a worksheet, to the lowest used row of the rightmost used column. If the cursor is in the formula bar, CTRL+END moves the cursor to the end of the text. CTRL+SHIFT+END extends the selection of cells to the last used cell on the worksheet (lower-right corner). If the cursor is in the formula bar, CTRL+SHIFT+END selects all text in the formula bar from the cursor position to the end—this does not affect the height of the formula bar.
ENTER Completes a cell entry from the cell or the Formula Bar, and selects the cell below (by default). In a data form, it moves to the first field in the next record. Opens a selected menu (press F10 to activate the menu bar) or performs the action for a selected command. In a dialog box, it performs the action for the default command button in the dialog box (the button with the bold outline, often the OK button). ALT+ENTER starts a new line in the same cell.
CTRL+ENTER fills the selected cell range with the current entry. SHIFT+ENTER completes a cell entry and selects the cell above. ESC Cancels an entry in the cell or Formula Bar. Closes an open menu or submenu, dialog box, or message window. It also closes full screen mode when this mode has been applied, and returns to normal screen mode to display the Ribbon and status bar again. HOME Moves to the beginning of a row in a worksheet.
Moves to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when SCROLL LOCK is turned on. Selects the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible. CTRL+HOME moves to the beginning of a worksheet. CTRL+SHIFT+HOME extends the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet. PAGE DOWN Moves one screen down in a worksheet. ALT+PAGE DOWN moves one screen to the right in a worksheet. CTRL+PAGE DOWN moves to the next sheet in a workbook.
CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE DOWN selects the current and next sheet in a workbook. PAGE UP Moves one screen up in a worksheet. ALT+PAGE UP moves one screen to the left in a worksheet. CTRL+PAGE UP moves to the previous sheet in a workbook. CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE UP selects the current and previous sheet in a workbook.
SPACEBAR In a dialog box, performs the action for the selected button, or selects or clears a check box. CTRL+SPACEBAR selects an entire column in a worksheet. SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects an entire row in a worksheet.
CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the entire worksheet. If the worksheet contains data, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the current region. Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR a second time selects the current region and its summary rows. Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR a third time selects the entire worksheet. When an object is selected, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects all objects on a worksheet. ALT+SPACEBAR displays the Control menu for the Excel window.
TAB Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet. Moves between unlocked cells in a protected worksheet. Moves to the next option or option group in a dialog box. SHIFT+TAB moves to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option in a dialog box.
CTRL+TAB switches to the next tab in dialog box. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB switches to the previous tab in a dialog box. Note: If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can to create one. CTRL combination shortcut keys Key Description CTRL+PgUp Switches between worksheet tabs, from left-to-right.
CTRL+PgDn Switches between worksheet tabs, from right-to-left. CTRL+SHIFT+( Unhides any hidden rows within the selection. CTRL+SHIFT+) Unhides any hidden columns within the selection. CTRL+SHIFT+& Applies the outline border to the selected cells. CTRL+SHIFT Removes the outline border from the selected cells. CTRL+SHIFT+ Applies the General number format. CTRL+SHIFT+$ Applies the Currency format with two decimal places (negative numbers in parentheses).
CTRL+SHIFT+% Applies the Percentage format with no decimal places. CTRL+SHIFT+^ Applies the Exponential number format with two decimal places. CTRL+SHIFT+# Applies the Date format with the day, month, and year. CTRL+SHIFT+@ Applies the Time format with the hour and minute, and AM or PM. Applies the Number format with two decimal places, thousands separator, and minus sign (-) for negative values. CTRL+SHIFT+.
Selects the current region around the active cell (the data area enclosed by blank rows and blank columns). In a PivotTable, it selects the entire PivotTable report. CTRL+SHIFT+: Enters the current time. CTRL+SHIFT+' Copies the value from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar.
CTRL+SHIFT+Plus (+) Displays the Insert dialog box to insert blank cells. CTRL+Minus (-) Displays the Delete dialog box to delete the selected cells.
CTRL+; Enters the current date. CTRL+` Alternates between displaying cell values and displaying formulas in the worksheet. CTRL+' Copies a formula from the cell above the active cell into the cell or the Formula Bar. CTRL+1 Displays the Format Cells dialog box. CTRL+2 Applies or removes bold formatting.
CTRL+3 Applies or removes italic formatting. CTRL+4 Applies or removes underlining. CTRL+5 Applies or removes strikethrough.
CTRL+6 Alternates between hiding objects, displaying objects, and displaying placeholders for objects. CTRL+8 Displays or hides the outline symbols. CTRL+9 Hides the selected rows. CTRL+0 Hides the selected columns. CTRL+A Selects the entire worksheet. If the worksheet contains data, CTRL+A selects the current region.
Pressing CTRL+A a second time selects the current region and its summary rows. Pressing CTRL+A a third time selects the entire worksheet. When the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula, displays the Function Arguments dialog box. CTRL+SHIFT+A inserts the argument names and parentheses when the insertion point is to the right of a function name in a formula. CTRL+B Applies or removes bold formatting. CTRL+C Copies the selected cells. CTRL+C followed by another CTRL+C displays the Clipboard.
CTRL+D Uses the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below. CTRL+F Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Find tab selected. SHIFT+F5 also displays this tab, while SHIFT+F4 repeats the last Find action.
CTRL+SHIFT+F opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected. CTRL+G Displays the Go To dialog box. F5 also displays this dialog box. CTRL+H Displays the Find and Replace dialog box, with the Replace tab selected. CTRL+I Applies or removes italic formatting. CTRL+K Displays the Insert Hyperlink dialog box for new hyperlinks or the Edit Hyperlink dialog box for selected existing hyperlinks. CTRL+N Creates a new, blank workbook.
CTRL+O Displays the Open dialog box to open or find a file. CTRL+SHIFT+O selects all cells that contain comments. CTRL+P Displays the Print dialog box.
CTRL+SHIFT+P opens the Format Cells dialog box with the Font tab selected. CTRL+R Uses the Fill Right command to copy the contents and format of the leftmost cell of a selected range into the cells to the right. CTRL+S Saves the active file with its current file name, location, and file format. CTRL+T Displays the Create Table dialog box. CTRL+U Applies or removes underlining. CTRL+SHIFT+U switches between expanding and collapsing of the formula bar.
CTRL+V Inserts the contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point and replaces any selection. Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents. CTRL+ALT+V displays the Paste Special dialog box. Available only after you have cut or copied an object, text, or cell contents on a worksheet or in another program. CTRL+W Closes the selected workbook window. CTRL+X Cuts the selected cells. CTRL+Y Repeats the last command or action, if possible.
CTRL+Z Uses the Undo command to reverse the last command or to delete the last entry that you typed. CTRL+SHIFT+Z uses the Undo or Redo command to reverse or restore the last automatic correction when AutoCorrect Smart Tags are displayed. Function keys Key Description F1 Displays the Microsoft Office Excel Help task pane. CTRL+F1 displays or hides the Ribbon, a component of the Microsoft Office Fluent user interface.
ALT+F1 creates a chart of the data in the current range. ALT+SHIFT+F1 inserts a new worksheet. F2 Edits the active cell and positions the insertion point at the end of the cell contents. It also moves the insertion point into the Formula Bar when editing in a cell is turned off. SHIFT+F2 adds or edits a cell comment.
CTRL+F2 displays the Print Preview window. F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box. SHIFT+F3 displays the Insert Function dialog box.
F4 Repeats the last command or action, if possible. When a cell reference or range is selected in a formula, F4 cycles through the various combinations of absolute and relative references. CTRL+F4 closes the selected workbook window.
F5 Displays the Go To dialog box. CTRL+F5 restores the window size of the selected workbook window. F6 Switches between the worksheet, Ribbon, task pane, and Zoom controls. In a worksheet that has been split ( View menu, Manage This Window, Freeze Panes, Split Window command), F6 includes the split panes when switching between panes and the Ribbon area.
SHIFT+F6 switches between the worksheet, Zoom controls, task pane, and Ribbon. CTRL+F6 switches to the next workbook window when more than one workbook window is open. F7 Displays the Spelling dialog box to check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range.
CTRL+F7 performs the Move command on the workbook window when it is not maximized. Use the arrow keys to move the window, and when finished press ENTER, or ESC to cancel. F8 Turns extend mode on or off. In extend mode, Extended Selection appears in the status line, and the arrow keys extend the selection. SHIFT+F8 enables you to add a nonadjacent cell or range to a selection of cells by using the arrow keys. CTRL+F8 performs the Size command (on the Control menu for the workbook window) when a workbook is not maximized. ALT+F8 displays the Macro dialog box to create, run, edit, or delete a macro.
F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks. SHIFT+F9 calculates the active worksheet. CTRL+ALT+F9 calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation. CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+F9 rechecks dependent formulas, and then calculates all cells in all open workbooks, including cells not marked as needing to be calculated. CTRL+F9 minimizes a workbook window to an icon.
F10 Turns key tips on or off. SHIFT+F10 displays the shortcut menu for a selected item. ALT+SHIFT+F10 displays the menu or message for a smart tag.
If more than one smart tag is present, it switches to the next smart tag and displays its menu or message. CTRL+F10 maximizes or restores the selected workbook window. F11 Creates a chart of the data in the current range.
SHIFT+F11 inserts a new worksheet. ALT+F11 opens the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor, in which you can create a macro by using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). F12 Displays the Save As dialog box. Other useful shortcuts Key Description ARROW KEYS Move one cell up, down, left, or right in a worksheet.
CTRL+ARROW KEY moves to the edge of the current data region in a worksheet. SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells by one cell. CTRL+SHIFT+ARROW KEY extends the selection of cells to the last nonblank cell in the same column or row as the active cell, or if the next cell is blank, extends the selection to the next nonblank cell. LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW selects the tab to the left or right when the Ribbon is selected. When a submenu is open or selected, these arrow keys switch between the main menu and the submenu. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate the tab buttons.
DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW selects the next or previous command when a menu or submenu is open. When a Ribbon tab is selected, these keys navigate up or down the tab group. In a dialog box, arrow keys move between options in an open drop-down list, or between options in a group of options. DOWN ARROW or ALT+DOWN ARROW opens a selected drop-down list.
BACKSPACE Deletes one character to the left in the Formula Bar. Also clears the content of the active cell. In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the left of the insertion point. DELETE Removes the cell contents (data and formulas) from selected cells without affecting cell formats or comments. In cell editing mode, it deletes the character to the right of the insertion point. END Moves to the cell in the lower-right corner of the window when SCROLL LOCK is turned on.
Also selects the last command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible. CTRL+END moves to the last cell on a worksheet, in the lowest used row of the rightmost used column. If the cursor is in the formula bar, CTRL+END moves the cursor to the end of the text. CTRL+SHIFT+END extends the selection of cells to the last used cell on the worksheet (lower-right corner). If the cursor is in the formula bar, CTRL+SHIFT+END selects all text in the formula bar from the cursor position to the end—this does not affect the height of the formula bar.
ENTER Completes a cell entry from the cell or the Formula Bar, and selects the cell below (by default). In a data form, it moves to the first field in the next record. Opens a selected menu (press F10 to activate the menu bar) or performs the action for a selected command. In a dialog box, it performs the action for the default command button in the dialog box (the button with the bold outline, often the OK button). ALT+ENTER starts a new line in the same cell.
CTRL+ENTER fills the selected cell range with the current entry. SHIFT+ENTER completes a cell entry and selects the cell above. ESC Cancels an entry in the cell or Formula Bar.
Closes an open menu or submenu, dialog box, or message window. It also closes full screen mode when this mode has been applied, and returns to normal screen mode to display the Ribbon and status bar again. HOME Moves to the beginning of a row in a worksheet. Moves to the cell in the upper-left corner of the window when SCROLL LOCK is turned on. Selects the first command on the menu when a menu or submenu is visible. CTRL+HOME moves to the beginning of a worksheet.
CTRL+SHIFT+HOME extends the selection of cells to the beginning of the worksheet. PAGE DOWN Moves one screen down in a worksheet. ALT+PAGE DOWN moves one screen to the right in a worksheet. CTRL+PAGE DOWN moves to the next sheet in a workbook. CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE DOWN selects the current and next sheet in a workbook. PAGE UP Moves one screen up in a worksheet.
ALT+PAGE UP moves one screen to the left in a worksheet. CTRL+PAGE UP moves to the previous sheet in a workbook.
CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE UP selects the current and previous sheet in a workbook. SPACEBAR In a dialog box, performs the action for the selected button, or selects or clears a check box. CTRL+SPACEBAR selects an entire column in a worksheet. SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects an entire row in a worksheet. CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the entire worksheet. If the worksheet contains data, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects the current region. Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR a second time selects the current region and its summary rows.
Pressing CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR a third time selects the entire worksheet. When an object is selected, CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR selects all objects on a worksheet. ALT+SPACEBAR displays the Control menu for the Microsoft Office Excel window. TAB Moves one cell to the right in a worksheet. Moves between unlocked cells in a protected worksheet. Moves to the next option or option group in a dialog box. SHIFT+TAB moves to the previous cell in a worksheet or the previous option in a dialog box.
CTRL+TAB switches to the next tab in dialog box. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB switches to the previous tab in a dialog box.
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