Excel Formula Shortcuts: 15 Keys That Save Hours
The Excel keyboard shortcuts for working with formulas: AutoSum, fill down, F4 locks, show formulas, evaluate, insert function and more, for Windows and Mac.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Formulas are faster when your hands stay on the keyboard. These shortcuts are the ones that matter for formula work. Windows first, Mac in brackets where it differs.
Writing formulas
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| = | Start a formula |
| Alt + = (Cmd + Shift + T) | AutoSum |
| F2 (Ctrl + U on Mac) | Edit the active cell |
| F4 (Cmd + T) | Toggle $ locks. See F4 |
| Shift + F3 | Insert Function dialog |
| Ctrl + Shift + A | Insert argument names after typing a function name |
| Tab | Accept autocomplete suggestion |
| Ctrl + Shift + Enter | Enter an array formula (older Excel) |
Copying formulas
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + D (Cmd + D) | Fill down. See fill down |
| Ctrl + R (Cmd + R) | Fill right |
| Ctrl + Enter | Enter the same formula in all selected cells |
| Ctrl + ' | Copy the formula from the cell above |
Checking formulas
| Shortcut | Does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + ` | Show formulas instead of results |
| F9 (in edit mode) | Calculate the selected part of a formula |
| Ctrl + [ | Jump to cells the formula uses |
| Esc | Cancel editing without changes |
Two that save the most time
- Ctrl + Enter: select a range, type one formula, press Ctrl+Enter, and it's entered in every selected cell with references adjusted.
- F9 inside a formula: highlight
B2*C2in the formula bar and press F9 to see its value. Press Esc afterwards so you don't replace it with the number.
Date and time stamps
- Ctrl + ; today's date
- Ctrl + Shift + ; current time
See TODAY and NOW.
Learning shortcuts vs formulas
Shortcuts make you faster once you know the formulas. If formulas are still the hard part, start there: the cheat sheet and two-minute practice in Cellio cover the formulas themselves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for AutoSum in Excel?
Alt + = on Windows, Cmd + Shift + T on Mac.
How do I show all formulas in Excel?
Press Ctrl + ` (grave accent), or Formulas > Show Formulas.
What is the shortcut to fill down?
Ctrl + D.
Do these shortcuts work in Google Sheets?
Many do (Ctrl+D, Ctrl+Enter, Ctrl+;). Others differ; press Ctrl + / in Sheets to see its list.