Repeat Last Action Excel Mac: Among 80 Excel Shortcuts You Need in 2025 – Free One‑Page Cheat‑Sheet
Welcome: Why Excel Shortcuts Still Rule in 2025
In 2025, Excel shortcuts remain the secret weapon for anyone looking to work smarter, not harder. With the sheer volume of data and tasks most of us juggle, relying on the mouse and menus just isn’t fast enough. That’s where the power of keyboard shortcuts comes in—especially the “Repeat Last Action” feature. Whether you’re formatting a table, inserting rows, or applying a formula, the ability to repeat your last action with a single keystroke (F4) or a click on the Quick Access Toolbar can save you countless minutes every day. By adding the Repeat command to your Quick Access Toolbar, you put this time-saving tool right at your fingertips, making it easier than ever to streamline your workflow. Mastering these Excel shortcuts isn’t just about speed—it’s about working with confidence and precision, knowing you can repeat, undo, or redo any command in seconds.
TL;DR – 3 Quick Wins
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Insert today’s date | Ctrl + ; | Cmd + ; |
Toggle filters | Ctrl + Shift + L | Cmd + Shift + F |
Create a table | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
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Why Shortcuts Still Matter in 2025
Even with Excel’s fancy ribbon search, keyboard shortcuts are roughly 30 % faster than mousing around—especially on a laptop touchpad. Keyboard shortcuts help users complete repetitive tasks more efficiently, reducing the time spent on each task. They also cut repetitive‑strain clicks and keep you in the zone. Microsoft’s official docs still push keyboard efficiency for good reason.
The 80 Essential Shortcuts (Grouped for Humans)
Format: Action | Windows | Mac. Copy what matters or grab the PDF below.
1. Navigation & Selection (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Jump to data edge | Ctrl + Arrow<br><sub>Note: Using the arrow keys moves the selection by one cell in the chosen direction, such as left.</sub> | Cmd + Arrow<br><sub>Note: Using the arrow keys moves the selection by one cell in the chosen direction, such as left.</sub> |
Start of sheet | Ctrl + Home | Fn + Cmd + ← |
End of sheet | Ctrl + End<br><sub>Note: This shortcut jumps to the last used cell in the worksheet.</sub> | Fn + Cmd + →<br><sub>Note: This shortcut jumps to the last used cell in the worksheet.</sub> |
Select entire column | Ctrl + Space | Ctrl + Space |
Select entire row | Shift + Space | Shift + Space |
Select all | Ctrl + A<br><sub>This selects the entire worksheet.</sub> | Cmd + A<br><sub>This selects the entire worksheet.</sub> |
Add non‑adjacent selection | Ctrl + Click<br><sub>Allows you to select multiple, non-adjacent selected cells.</sub> | Cmd + Click<br><sub>Allows you to select multiple, non-adjacent selected cells.</sub> |
Go To dialog | Ctrl + G | Fn + Cmd + G |
Name Manager | Ctrl + F3 | Ctrl + Fn + F3 |
Zoom dialog | Ctrl + Alt + +<br><sub>Adjusting the zoom can help fit more of your worksheet onto one screen.</sub> | Cmd + Option + +<br><sub>Adjusting the zoom can help fit more of your worksheet onto one screen.</sub> |
2. Data Entry & Editing (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Edit active cell | F2 | Ctrl + U |
Allows you to edit the cell entry and modify cell contents directly. | ||
Fill down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D |
Useful for entering data quickly across multiple cells. | ||
Fill right | Ctrl + R | Cmd + R |
Useful for entering data quickly across multiple cells. | ||
Enter Autosum formula | Alt + = | Cmd + Shift + T |
Inserts a function name and lets you edit argument names directly in the formula bar. | ||
Insert current time | Ctrl + Shift + : | Cmd + Shift + : |
Insert new line in cell | Alt + Enter | Ctrl + Option + Return |
Delete row | Ctrl + –, R | Cmd + –, R |
Copy cell above | Ctrl + ’ | Cmd + ’ |
Can be used to repeat a paste operation from the cell above. | ||
Repeat last action | F4 | Cmd + Y |
You can also repeat an action by using the Repeat command on the toolbar (click repeat). This is useful when you want to repeat an action multiple times or streamline repetitive tasks. | ||
Enter today’s date | Ctrl + ; | Cmd + ; |
3. Formatting On the Fly (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Format Cells dialog | Ctrl + 1 | Cmd + 1 |
Currency format | Ctrl + Shift + $ | Cmd + Shift + 4 |
Percent format | Ctrl + Shift + % | Cmd + Shift + 5 |
Bold | Ctrl + B | Cmd + B |
Italic | Ctrl + I | Cmd + I |
Underline | Ctrl + U | Cmd + U |
Add border | Ctrl + Shift + & | Cmd + Option + 0 |
Clear formats | Alt + H, E, F | Cmd + Shift + Z |
AutoFit column width | Alt + H, O, I | Cmd + Option + 0 |
Format Painter (copy/paste) — This formatting operation can be repeated across multiple cells to quickly apply consistent formatting. | Ctrl + Shift + C / V | Cmd + Shift + C / V |
4. Workbook Management (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
New workbook | Ctrl + N | Cmd + N |
Save | Ctrl + S (saves the current file) | Cmd + S (saves the current file) |
Close workbook | Ctrl + W | Cmd + W |
Switch workbooks | Ctrl + Tab (move to the next workbook) | Cmd + ` (move to the next workbook) |
Ctrl + P | Cmd + P | |
Recalculate all | F9 | Cmd + = |
Open Options/Preferences | Alt + F, T (can also be accessed via the File tab) | Cmd + , (can also be accessed via the File tab) |
Protect sheet | Alt + R, P, S | Cmd + Shift + L |
Next worksheet | Ctrl + PgDn | Option + → |
Previous worksheet | Ctrl + PgUp | Option + ← |
5. Analysis & Formula Helpers (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Toggle absolute/relative refs | F4 | Cmd + T |
Trace precedents | Ctrl + [ | Cmd + [ |
Evaluate formula | Alt + M, V | Cmd + = (twice) |
Function wizard (open dialog box to help build or edit a formula, including entering an array formula) | Shift + F3 | Shift + F3 |
Show formulas | Ctrl + ` | Cmd + ` |
Name Manager | Ctrl + F3 | Ctrl + Fn + F3 |
Calculate sheet | Shift + F9 | Shift + F9 |
AutoSum | Alt + = | Cmd + Shift + T |
New line in formula bar | Alt + Enter | Ctrl + Option + Return |
Collapse/expand formula bar | Ctrl + Shift + U | Cmd + Shift + U |
6. Data Tools & Tables (10)
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Create table1 | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
Toggle filters | Ctrl + Shift + L | Cmd + Shift + F |
Refresh pivot/table | Ctrl + Alt + F5 | Cmd + Alt + F5 |
Flash Fill | Ctrl + E | Cmd + E |
Group rows/columns | Alt + Shift + → | Cmd + Shift + K |
Ungroup | Alt + Shift + ← | Cmd + Shift + J |
Insert slicer1 | Alt + N, SL | Cmd + Shift + S |
Remove duplicates | Alt + A, M | Cmd + Shift + M |
Data Validation dialog | Alt + D, L | Cmd + Ctrl + V |
Goal Seek | Alt + T, G | Cmd + Shift + G |
1 Both the Create table and Insert slicer tools can help manage your data, including handling blank rows in your worksheet.
7. Power‑User Gems (10)
Note: On some keyboards, especially laptops, you may need to use the Fn key or F Lock key to access function key shortcuts like F1, F4, or F11.
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Open VBA editor | Alt + F11 | Fn + Option + F11 |
Macro dialog | Alt + F8 | Option + F8 |
Create chart (embedded) | Alt + F1 | Fn + F11 |
Insert comment | Shift + F2 | Shift + F2 |
Superscript text | Ctrl + Shift + + | Cmd + Shift + + |
Duplicate sheet | Drag tab while holding Ctrl | Drag tab while holding Option |
Toggle ribbon | Ctrl + F1 | Cmd + Option + R |
Jump to previous cell | Shift + F4 | Shift + F4 |
Evaluate part of formula | Select text & press F9 | Select text & press Cmd + = |
Screenshot active window to clipboard | Alt + PrtSc | Cmd + Shift + 4, then Space |
Repeat and Redo: The Unsung Time-Savers
If you find yourself performing the same action over and over—like formatting multiple cells, inserting rows, or applying borders—the Repeat command in Microsoft Excel is your new best friend. The Repeat command allows you to repeat an action, such as formatting, inserting, or deleting, to streamline repetitive tasks. With a single tap of the F4 keyboard shortcut, you can instantly repeat the last action you performed, saving countless clicks. This works for a wide range of tasks, from formatting cells to inserting or deleting rows and columns. For even faster access, add the Repeat command to your Quick Access Toolbar—just right-click the toolbar and choose “More Commands” to include it.
Not all actions can be repeated or undone—for example, clicking commands like the File tab or saving a file are not undoable or repeatable. In some Office applications, you can access undo/redo settings or customize the undo history via the edit menu.
Made a mistake or changed your mind? The Redo function has your back. After you undo an action, simply press Ctrl + Y or click the Redo button on the Quick Access Toolbar to bring it back. This is especially handy when you’re toggling between different formatting or editing steps and want to quickly restore your last action. Mastering these two shortcuts—Repeat and Redo—can dramatically speed up your workflow in Excel, letting you focus on your data instead of repeating manual steps.
Quick Access: Your Shortcut to Shortcuts
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is your personal command center in Excel, putting your favorite shortcuts and commands just a click away. By default, you’ll see essentials like Save, Undo, and Redo, but the real power comes from customizing it to fit your workflow. Click the More Commands button (the small dropdown arrow at the end of the toolbar) to add any command or shortcut you use often—think Paste Special, Sort, or even the Repeat command for one-click access to repeat the last action.
Prefer the keyboard? Hit Alt + F10 to jump straight to the QAT customization menu. You can rearrange, add, or remove commands to keep your most-used tools front and center. This means less time hunting through menus and more time getting things done. Whether you’re formatting cells, inserting rows, or using other shortcuts, a well-organized Quick Access Toolbar is the fastest way to streamline your Excel experience and boost your productivity.
Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar for Maximum Speed
The Quick Access Toolbar is your shortcut to efficiency in Excel, letting you keep your most-used commands just a click away. Customizing it to include the Repeat command is a game-changer for anyone who wants to repeat the last action without reaching for the keyboard. Here’s how to do it: Click the dropdown arrow at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar and select “More Commands.” In the dialog box that appears, choose “All Commands” from the list, then scroll down to find the Repeat command. Select it, click “Add,” and then hit “OK” to save your changes. Now, whenever you need to repeat the last action—whether it’s formatting, inserting, or deleting—you can do it instantly from your toolbar. This simple tweak puts the power of quick access and repeat at your fingertips, helping you breeze through repetitive tasks and keep your workflow moving.
PC vs Mac Cheat‑Sheet Nuances
- Mac laptops often need Fn for function keys—enable “Use F1, F2 as standard keys” in System Settings → Keyboard. Some Excel shortcuts require different keys on a Mac keyboard, so it’s important to learn the Mac keyboard layout for Excel.
- Windows Alt-based ribbon access keys don’t exist on Mac; rely on Cmd‑Shift‑letter combos or custom shortcuts. In some cases, the same keyboard shortcut works on both Mac and PC for repeating or redoing actions in Excel.
- Symbol swap: Option = Alt, Cmd ≈ Ctrl. Mastering the right excel shortcut for your device is key to efficiency.
Create Your Own Shortcut (Macro in 60 Seconds)
- Open Developer → Record Macro (Alt + L, R).
- Give it a name and assign a shortcut key (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + letter) for quick access to your macro.
- Perform the steps you want automated, then click Stop Recording.
- The shortcut key is stored in Personal.xlsb so it’s available in every workbook.
Pro Tips: Shortcut Mastery in the Real World
Want to see real productivity gains? Combine the Repeat Last Action shortcut with other Excel shortcuts for maximum impact. For example, if you’re formatting multiple cells—say, making several columns bold or applying a border—just format the first cell, then use the keyboard shortcut (F4 or Cmd+Y on Mac) to repeat the last action across the rest. The same goes for inserting rows: select a row, insert it, and then use Repeat Last Action to quickly add more rows without reselecting. This approach is especially powerful when working with large datasets or when you need to apply the same change to multiple cells or rows. Pairing the Repeat Last Action shortcut with undo (Ctrl+Z) and redo (Ctrl+Y) lets you experiment confidently, knowing you can easily reverse or repeat any step. With a little practice, these Excel shortcuts will become second nature, turning you into a true shortcut master.
FAQ
Do these work in Excel Online?≈ 70 % do; your browser hijacks some combos like Ctrl + F. Use Edge for best support.
How can I print the list?Jump to the download link below and print the PDF.
Can I disable any shortcut?Only by re‑mapping with macros or third‑party key tools; Excel itself can’t disable a built‑in combo.
How do I undo multiple steps or several actions in Excel?To undo multiple steps in Excel, use the undo command by pressing Ctrl+Z repeatedly or by clicking the Undo button on the toolbar. You can also click the dropdown arrow next to the Undo button to select and undo several actions at once. This allows you to quickly press undo for multiple steps or undo command changes in a single action.
Are there limits to how many actions I can undo in Excel?Yes, there are undo limits in Excel. By default, Office allows you to undo up to the last 100 actions, as set by the default Office settings. The number of undoable actions is also affected by default Office saves—if you save your workbook, you can still undo actions within the current undo limits, but some actions may be cleared after closing and reopening the file.
How does the undo command in Excel compare to Microsoft Word?The undo command works similarly in both Excel and Microsoft Word. In both applications, you can press undo (Ctrl+Z) or use the toolbar to revert recent changes. Both support undoing multiple steps, but the specific actions that can be undone and the undo limits may vary slightly between Excel and Microsoft Word, depending on the default Office configuration.
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Final Thoughts: The Power of Repeat Last Action
Mastering the Repeat Last Action feature in Excel is more than just a time-saver—it’s a productivity multiplier. By making the most of the Repeat command, customizing your Quick Access Toolbar, and combining these tools with other essential shortcuts, you’ll transform the way you work with data. Whether you’re formatting, inserting, or editing, the ability to repeat, undo, and redo actions with a single click or keystroke keeps your workflow smooth and efficient. Embrace these shortcuts, and you’ll not only save time but also reduce errors and boost your confidence in Excel. In a world where every second counts, the power to repeat your last action is a true game-changer.
Final Thoughts
Nail these 80 shortcuts and you’ll claw back about five workdays a year. Know a colleague who still drags the mouse to the ribbon? Send them this guide and be their productivity hero. Ready for more? Next up: Dynamic Arrays Demystified