Edit cell shortcut in Excel (F2)
The keys
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Edit the active cell How to: Absolute reference shortcut in Excel (F4 and Cmd+T) The cursor goes to the end of the contents. While you edit a formula, F2 switches arrow keys between moving the cursor and pointing at cells. | F2 | F2 or Control+U |
| Edit the active cell in the formula barNot in Microsoft's Mac list. If you are already editing, it moves between the formula bar and the cell. | Ctrl+F2 | —No Mac shortcut in Microsoft's list |
| Cancel the entry and keep the old value | Esc | Esc |
Checked against Microsoft's official lists on . Where Microsoft lists a key for one platform only, the other column says so instead of guessing.
Why F2 instead of just typing
Typing into a selected cell replaces its contents. F2 opens it for editing, so you can fix one character in a long formula without retyping it. It also outlines the cells the formula uses in color, which is the fastest way to check a reference.
F2 inside a formula: Edit vs Point mode
While editing, F2 also switches the arrow keys between moving the cursor through the text (Edit mode) and pointing at cells to insert a reference (Point mode). The status bar shows which one you are in. If the arrow keys suddenly start adding references, press F2 once.
Ctrl+F2 on Windows edits in the formula bar instead, which helps when the cell is narrow.
When F2 does nothing
- Laptop: the F-keys control the screen or sound. Press Fn+F2 or turn on the Fn lock.
- Mac: F2 is a brightness key by default. Use Ctrl+U, or Fn+F2.
- The option "Allow editing directly in cells" is off (File > Options > Advanced). F2 then puts the cursor in the formula bar instead.
- The sheet is protected and the cell is locked.
Why a shortcut sometimes does nothing
Laptop function keys
On many laptops the top row changes volume or brightness first, so F2 or F4 does nothing in Excel. Hold Fn with the key (Fn+F4), or turn on the laptop's function-key lock. On many Windows laptops that lock is Fn+Esc, but it varies by brand, so look for a small padlock or "Fn" icon on the Esc key.
Mac function keys
Excel for Mac uses the function keys for real commands, but macOS gives them to brightness, Mission Control and volume first. Press Fn with the key, or turn on "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" (System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys on recent macOS). After that, the printed features need Fn instead, so Fn+F12 changes the volume.
Related shortcuts
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Start a new line inside the cell How to: How to start a new line in an Excel cell Excel turns on Wrap Text for the cell so the second line shows. | Alt+Enter | Option+Return or Control+Option+Return or Command+Option+Return |
| Switch a reference between A1, $A$1, A$1 and $A1 How to: Absolute reference shortcut in Excel (F4 and Cmd+T) Put the cursor on a reference while editing a formula. Outside a formula, F4 on Windows repeats your last action. | F4 | Command+T or F4 |
| Confirm the entry and move downInside a selected range, Enter moves down through the selection without leaving it. | Enter | Return |
FAQ
What is the shortcut to edit a cell in Excel?
F2 on Windows and the web. On a Mac, Ctrl+U or F2.
What is F2 on a Mac in Excel?
The same edit command, if the function keys are set as standard keys. Otherwise press Fn+F2, or use Ctrl+U.
How do I edit a cell without the mouse and keep the old value if I change my mind?
Press F2, make the change, then Enter to keep it or Esc to throw it away.
Related guides
- Excel keyboard shortcuts for beginnersStart with five: Ctrl+Arrow to jump to the end of your data, Ctrl+Shift+Arrow to select it, F2 to edit a cell, Alt+= for AutoSum and Ctrl+Z to undo.
- Excel formula showing as text instead of the resultWhen Excel shows a formula as text instead of the result, one of three things is wrong: the cell was formatted as Text before you typed, Show Formulas is turned on (Ctrl + `), or the formula starts with a space or an apostrophe.
In the glossary: Formula barActive cellStatus bar
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