MS Excel: writing formulas shortcuts Windows, Mac, Web

Formulas are the backbone of Excel. Whether you're calculating totals, analyzing data trends, or building complex financial models, writing formulas efficiently is essential. Microsoft Excel offers a range of keyboard shortcuts that significantly speed up the process of writing, editing, and evaluating formulas. In this article, we’ll explore all the essential shortcuts for formula writing in Excel 2021, covering Windows, Mac, and Excel for the Web.

Using shortcuts when dealing with formulas:

• Saves time by avoiding repetitive mouse actions.

• Enhances accuracy by reducing typing errors.

• Helps you focus more on logic and less on navigation.

• Increases productivity for analysts, accountants, and data professionals.

Essential Formula Writing Shortcuts (with Table)

Here’s a comprehensive table listing commonly used Excel formula writing shortcuts:

Action	Windows Shortcut	Mac Shortcut	Excel for Web Shortcut
Start a formula in a cell	=	=	=
Insert function (Formula Builder)	Shift + F3	Fn + Shift + F3	Shift + F3
Insert function from formula bar	Shift + F3	Shift + F3	N/A
Toggle absolute/relative references	F4	Command + T	Ctrl + Shift + 4
Show formula in cell	`Ctrl + ``	`Ctrl + ``	`Ctrl + ``
Edit the active cell	F2	Ctrl+U	F2
Show all formulas	`Ctrl + ``	`Command + ``	`Ctrl + ``
Enter array formula (legacy)	Ctrl + Shift + Enter	Command + Shift + Enter	N/A
Evaluate part of formula	F9	Fn + F9	N/A
Insert AutoSum	Alt + =	Command + Shift + T	Alt + =
Name a range	Ctrl + F3	Ctrl + Fn + F3	Ctrl + F3
Use named ranges	F3	Fn + F3	N/A
Open Function Arguments dialog	Ctrl + A (after function)	Command + A	Ctrl + A
Enter formula and stay in cell	Ctrl + Enter	Command + Return	Ctrl + Enter
Enter formula and move down	Enter	Return	Enter
Enter formula and move up	Shift + Enter	Shift + Return	Shift + Enter
Move between formula arguments	Tab	Tab	Tab
Accept function from auto-suggest	Tab	Tab	Tab
Cancel entry in formula bar	Esc	Esc	Esc
Move cursor to end of formula	Ctrl + →	Command + →	Ctrl + →
Move cursor to start of formula	Ctrl + ←	Command + ←	Ctrl + ←
Select entire formula text	Ctrl + Shift + →	Command + Shift + →	Ctrl + Shift + →
Cycle through auto-complete options	↑ / ↓	↑ / ↓	↑ / ↓
Insert argument separator (regional)	, or ;	, or ;	, or ;

Pro Tips for Formula Writing Efficiency

• Use IntelliSense: Excel auto-suggests functions as you type. Press Tab to auto-complete.

• Use named ranges for better readability.

• Split formulas across lines using Alt + Enter to make long formulas easier to read.

• Document your formulas with comments or notes using Shift + F2.

To supercharge your Excel formulas:

• Use the LET function to assign names to calculation steps.

• Use LAMBDA to create reusable custom functions without VBA.

Shortcut Differences by Platform

While many shortcuts are consistent across Windows and Mac, note:

• Mac often requires Fn key for function keys.

• Excel for Web lacks some legacy shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Conclusion

Learning and practicing formula writing shortcuts can dramatically improve your Excel skills. Whether you're a financial analyst, student, or project manager, mastering these keystrokes empowers you to work faster and more precisely.

Bookmark this guide or download our full Excel Shortcuts Pack to keep these at your fingertips!

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