MS Excel: number formatting shortcuts Windows, Mac, Web
- Fakhriddinbek
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Formatting numbers properly in Excel is essential for clarity, accuracy, and presentation. Whether you're working with financial reports, scientific data, or percentages, using keyboard shortcuts to apply number formatting can save time and maintain consistency.
This article provides a complete list of number formatting shortcuts in Excel 2021 for Windows, Mac, and Excel for Web, along with practical usage examples and formatting tips.
Number formatting is not just about appearance—it also impacts how Excel interprets and calculates your data. By learning shortcuts, you can:
Apply consistent formats instantly
Reduce mouse dependency
Speed up your spreadsheet workflow
Improve spreadsheet readability and usability
Table: Excel Number Formatting Shortcuts
Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Excel for Web |
Apply General format | Ctrl + Shift + ~ | Command + Shift + ~ | Ctrl + Shift + ~ |
Apply Number format | Ctrl + Shift + 1 | Command + Shift + 1 | Ctrl + Shift + 1 |
Apply Time format | Ctrl + Shift + 2 | Command + Shift + 2 | Ctrl + Shift + 2 |
Apply Date format | Ctrl + Shift + 3 | Command + Shift + 3 | Ctrl + Shift + 3 |
Apply Currency format | Ctrl + Shift + 4 | Command + Shift + 4 | Ctrl + Shift + 4 |
Apply Percentage format | Ctrl + Shift + 5 | Command + Shift + 5 | Ctrl + Shift + 5 |
Apply Scientific format | Ctrl + Shift + 6 | Command + Shift + 6 | Ctrl + Shift + 6 |
Open Format Cells dialog | Ctrl + 1 | Command + 1 | Ctrl + Shift + 1* |
Excel Web lacks a full Format Cells dialog, but the shortcut applies a number format instead.
Bonus Tip: Use Format Painter Shortcut
You can copy number formatting from one cell to another using:
Windows: Ctrl + C → Select target → Alt + E, S, T (or use Format Painter)
Mac: Command + C → Select target → Command + Option + V → Choose formatting
Formatting Use Cases
Format | Example | When to Use |
General | 12345 | Default for text and numbers |
Number | 12,345.00 | Accounting, metrics, calculations |
Time | 13:30 | Scheduling, shifts, operations |
Date | 05/05/2025 | Reports, logs, records |
Currency | $12,345.00 | Financial data, invoicing |
Percentage | 85% | KPIs, conversion rates, growth stats |
Scientific | 1.23E+04 | Scientific/engineering use cases |
Final Thoughts
Knowing Excel's number formatting shortcuts gives you an edge in speed and accuracy. Whether you're a financial analyst, data entry specialist, or project manager, these keyboard tricks help you format data with confidence.
Comments