Insert function shortcut in Excel

Quick answerPress ShiftF3 to open Insert Function on Windows and the web, or the Formula Builder on a Mac. If you already know the name, type it, for example =XLOOKUP, then press CtrlA to open its arguments, or CtrlShiftA on Windows to type the argument names into the cell.

The keys

Shortcut	Windows	Mac
Insert a function (Insert Function dialog, Formula Builder on a Mac)	`ShiftF3`	`ShiftF3`
After typing a function name, open its argumentsType =VLOOKUP, for example, then press it: Windows opens Function Arguments, a Mac opens the Formula Builder.	`CtrlA`	`ControlA`
After typing a function name, insert its argument namesNot in Microsoft's Mac list.	`CtrlShiftA`	—No Mac shortcut in Microsoft's list
AutoSum the cells above or to the left How to: AutoSum shortcut in Excel Check the dashed border before you press Enter: it stops at the first blank cell.	`Alt=` or `AltH`, `U`, `S`	`ShiftCmdCommandT`

Checked against Microsoft's official lists on November 5, 2026. Where Microsoft lists a key for one platform only, the other column says so instead of guessing.

The fastest way: type and Tab

Type = and the first letters of the function. Excel lists matching functions; move with ↓Down arrow and press Tab to accept one, which also types the opening bracket. The tooltip under the cell then shows each argument, with the current one in bold.

When to use the dialog

Insert Function and Formula Builder are useful when you do not know the name ("count cells that are not empty") or when a function has many arguments. The Function Arguments dialog shows each argument's current value and the result as you fill it in, which catches mistakes before you press Enter.

When Shift+F3 does nothing

Laptop or Mac: press FnShiftF3, or switch the function keys.
You are not in the cell: the focus is on the ribbon or a pane. Press Esc or F6 to get back to the sheet.
In a formula, F3 alone pastes a defined name instead (Windows), and only when the workbook has names.

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 (FnF4), or turn on the laptop's function-key lock. On many Windows laptops that lock is FnEsc, 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 FnF12 changes the volume.

Related shortcuts

Shortcut	Windows	Mac
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`	`CmdCommandT` or `F4`
Paste a defined name into a formulaNot in Microsoft's Mac list. Works only when the workbook has names.	`F3`	—No Mac shortcut in Microsoft's list
Show formulas instead of results, and back How to: Show formulas shortcut in Excel The ` key is left of 1 on a US keyboard. Press it again to switch back.	`Ctrl``	`Control``

FAQ

What is the shortcut to insert a function in Excel?

Shift+F3 on Windows, Mac and Excel for the web.

How do I see a function's arguments?

Type the function name after = and press Ctrl+A for the arguments dialog, or Ctrl+Shift+A on Windows to insert the argument names.

What is the Formula Builder?

The Mac version of Insert Function and Function Arguments, in a side pane.

Related guides

Related functions

In the glossary: Function Argument

All formulas and references shortcuts All Excel shortcuts Printable sheet