Using Function Keys in Excel

There is a lot that we can do with the Function Keys in Excel. Let us see the various function keys and their functionality with reference to Excel.

Key Description

F1 Displays the Microsoft Office Excel Help task pane.

CTRL+F1 Displays or hides the Ribbon component.

ALT+F1 Creates a chart of the data in the current range.

ALT+SHIFT+F1 Inserts a new worksheet.

F2 Edits the active cell. 

SHIFT+F2 Adds or edits a cell comment.

CTRL+F2 Displays the Print Preview window.

F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box.

SHIFT+F3 Displays the Insert Function dialog box.

F4 Repeats the last command or action.

CTRL+F4 Closes the selected workbook window.

F5 Displays the Go To dialog box.

CTRL+F5 Restores the window size of the selected workbook window.

F6 Switches between worksheet, Ribbon, task pane and Zoom controls. 

CTRL+F6 Switches to the next workbook when more than one workbook is open.

F7 Displays the Spelling dialog to check spelling.

CTRL+F7 Performs Move command on the workbook when it is not maximized. 

F8 Turns extend mode on or off. 

SHIFT+F8 Helps to add nonadjacent cell(s) to selection of cells using arrow keys.

CTRL+F8 Performs the Size command when a workbook is not maximized.

ALT+F8 Displays the Macro dialog box to create, run, edit, or delete a macro.

F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks.

SHIFT+F9 Calculates the active worksheet.

CTRL+ALT+F9 Calculates all worksheets in open books, even if they haven't changed.

CTRL+F9 Minimizes a workbook window to an icon.

F10 Turns key tips on or off.

SHIFT+F10 Displays the shortcut menu for a selected item.

CTRL+F10 Maximizes / restores the selected workbook window.

F11 Creates a chart of the data in the current range.

SHIFT+F11 Inserts a new worksheet.

ALT+F11 Opens the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor to create a macro.

F12 Displays the Save As dialog box.