Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | macOS | Google Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start a formula in the cell | = | = | = |
| Insert a function from a dialog | ShiftF3 | ShiftF3 | No default Insert ▸ Function |
| Total the column above the cell | Alt= | CommandShiftT | Alt= |
| Toggle a reference between relative and absolute | F4 | CommandT | F4 |
| Show every formula instead of its result | CtrlGrave | ControlGrave | No default View ▸ Show formulas |
| Accept the entry and stay in the cell | CtrlEnter | ControlReturn | No default Enter moves you down |
| Cancel the entry you are typing | Esc | Esc | Esc |
| Start a new line inside the cell | AltEnter | ControlOptionReturn | CtrlEnter |
| Insert the argument names of the function | CtrlShiftA | ControlShiftA | No default type them yourself |
| See what part of the formula evaluates to | F9 | F9 | No default check the cell instead |
| Expand or collapse the formula bar | CtrlShiftU | ControlShiftU | No default drag the bar |
| Edit the active cell instead of typing over it | F2 | ControlU | F2 |
| Copy the value from the cell above | CtrlShift" | ControlShift" | No default copy and paste |
When to use it
F4 is the one to learn first. Every formula you copy down a column needs one part of a reference held still. The key cycles through the four combinations, so you never type dollar signs by hand. You can watch the dollars land on the part of the address you mean to lock.
F2 and Ctrl + Enter are the pair that saves the most time in data entry. F2 puts the cursor in the cell without overwriting it. Ctrl + Enter accepts what you typed and keeps the selection on that cell. The next thing you type lands in the same place rather than one row below.
Checked against
Microsoft 365 Apps for Windows, version 2501, checked on 24 February 2026. Excel for Mac 16.91 on the same day, where Command + T cycles the reference and Control + U opens the cell for editing. Google Sheets in Chrome 131, where Ctrl + Enter inserts a line break instead of accepting the entry.
Practice
Practise it: Select to the edge of a block
Select to the edge of a block grades a keypress rather than a formula, which is what a shortcut page is for.