Excel Shortcut Keys: The Complete List for Windows & Mac (2026)

Excel shortcut keys are combinations of keys that run a command instantly, without reaching for the mouse. The most-used Excel shortcuts are Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + Z (undo), and Ctrl + S (save). On a Mac, these use the Command key instead: Cmd + C, Cmd + V, Cmd + Z, and Cmd + S. Excel has more than 200 shortcuts across both platforms, and learning even 20 of them noticeably speeds up everyday work.

This guide covers 200+ Excel shortcut actions across 18 categories, with Windows and Mac keys side by side verified against Microsoft’s official documentation for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. You can also download the full list as a free PDF.

Key Takeaways

• Excel shortcut keys trigger commands using key combinations instead of the mouse.
• The four most-used shortcuts are Copy (Ctrl+C), Paste (Ctrl+V), Undo (Ctrl+Z), and Save (Ctrl+S).
• On Mac, replace Ctrl with Command (Cmd) for most shortcuts but not all; some use Control or Option.
• A plus sign (+) means press keys together; a comma (,) means press them in sequence (e.g. Alt, H, A, C).
• Excel has 200+ shortcuts; knowing 20–30 covers the vast majority of daily tasks.

What Are Excel Shortcut Keys?

Excel shortcut keys are key combinations that perform a command like copying, saving, or formatting without using the mouse or navigating the ribbon. Instead of clicking through menus, you press two or three keys at once and the action happens instantly.

They matter for one simple reason: speed compounds. A single shortcut saves only a second or two, but across hundreds of repeated actions in a workday, that adds up to real time. Keyboard shortcuts also reduce strain from constant mouse use, and for people with mobility or vision needs they are an essential alternative to a touchscreen or mouse.

Excel has more than 200 shortcuts in total (over 400 if you count Windows and Mac versions separately). You do not need to memorize them all. Most people rely on the same 20 to 30 shortcuts for nearly everything, and pick up specialized ones for pivot tables, formulas, or macros only when their work calls for them. The fastest way to learn is to add two or three new shortcuts at a time until they become muscle memory.

How to Read Excel Shortcuts (+ vs , and the Alt Key)

Excel shortcuts use two separators, and the difference matters:

• A plus sign (+) means press the keys at the same time. For example, Ctrl + Shift + L means hold Ctrl, then Shift, then press L, all together, then release.
• A comma (,) means press the keys one after another, in order. For example, Alt, H, A, C means press and release Alt, then H, then A, then C not held down together.

The Alt key and Key Tips (Windows)

On Windows, pressing and releasing the Alt key turns on Key Tips small letters that appear over each ribbon tab and command. Press the letter shown to open that tab, then press the next letter for the command you want. For example, Alt then H opens the Home tab; press H again to open Fill Color. This is why many Windows shortcuts are written as sequences like Alt, H, A, C (Home → Alignment → Center).

Windows vs Mac keys

Most Windows shortcuts that use Ctrl map to Command (Cmd) on a Mac for example, Ctrl+C becomes Cmd+C. But this is not universal: some Mac shortcuts keep the Control key, and Alt on Windows becomes Option on Mac. The tables below show the correct key for each platform, so you do not have to guess.

Most-Used Shortcuts (Essentials)

File & Workbook Shortcuts

Navigation Shortcuts

Selection Shortcuts

Data Entry Shortcuts

Cell Editing Shortcuts

Text Formatting Shortcuts

Number Formatting Shortcuts

Cell Borders Shortcuts

Rows, Columns & Grid Shortcuts

Formulas & Functions Shortcuts

Filters & Tables Shortcuts

Charts & Pivot Shortcuts

Macros & VBA Shortcuts

Ribbon Access Keys (Alt Key Tips)

Press and release Alt to show Key Tips, then press the letter for the tab. On Excel for the web, start with Alt + Windows key.

Paste Special Options Shortcuts

After copying, press Ctrl + Alt + V (Windows) or Cmd + Option + V (Mac) to open Paste Special, then press the letter for the option.

Power Pivot Shortcuts

For the Power Pivot window in Microsoft 365 and Office.

Function Keys (Quick Reference)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most used Excel shortcut?

The most used Excel shortcut is Ctrl + C (copy), closely followed by Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + Z (undo), and Ctrl + S (save). On a Mac, these are Cmd + C, Cmd + V, Cmd + Z, and Cmd + S. These four cover the majority of everyday actions in Excel.

How many keyboard shortcuts does Excel have?

Excel has more than 200 keyboard shortcuts, and over 400 if you count Windows and Mac versions separately. Most users rely on the same 20 to 30 shortcuts for nearly all of their daily work, and learn specialized ones for pivot tables, formulas, or macros only as needed.

What is the difference between + and , in Excel shortcuts?

A plus sign (+) means press the keys at the same time for example, Ctrl + Shift + L is held together. A comma (,) means press the keys one after another in sequence for example, Alt, H, A, C is pressed and released one key at a time.

Do Excel shortcuts work on Mac?

Yes. Most Excel shortcuts work on Mac, with Ctrl usually replaced by Command (Cmd) and Alt replaced by Option. However, some shortcuts differ for example, AutoSum is Alt + = on Windows but Shift + Cmd + T on Mac. The tables in this guide list the correct key for each platform.

What does Ctrl + Shift + L do in Excel?

Ctrl + Shift + L turns the AutoFilter on or off for your data. When on, filter arrows appear on each column header, letting you sort and filter. On a Mac, the equivalent is Cmd + Shift + F.

How do I create my own keyboard shortcut in Excel?

Excel does not let you reassign built-in shortcuts directly, but you can record a macro and assign it a shortcut key. Go to the View tab, select Macros → Record Macro, enter a shortcut letter in the “Shortcut key” box, perform your actions, then stop recording. On Mac, you can also create custom shortcuts in System Settings.

What is the Alt key used for in Excel?

On Windows, pressing and releasing the Alt key shows Key Tips letters that appear over each ribbon tab and command. Pressing those letters in sequence runs the command, which is why many shortcuts are written as sequences like Alt, H, A, C (Home → Alignment → Center).

Conclusion

You do not need to memorize all 200+ Excel shortcut keys. Start with the 20 most-used shortcuts above, build them into muscle memory, then add category-specific ones formulas, pivot tables, filters as your work demands. Keep this page bookmarked as a reference, or download the free PDF cheat sheet to keep the full list at hand.

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