Format Cells Shortcut (Ctrl+1 / ⌘1)
Open the Format Cells dialog: Ctrl+1 on Windows, ⌘1 on Mac. Here it is with the quick number-format shortcuts beside it.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Format Cells dialog | ⌘1 | Ctrl+1 | |
| Apply bold | ⌘B | Ctrl+B | |
| Currency format | ⌃⇧$ | Ctrl+Shift+$ | |
| Percent format | ⌃⇧% | Ctrl+Shift+% | |
| Date format (d-mmm-yy) | ⌃⇧# | Ctrl+Shift+# | |
| General (remove) format | ⌃⇧~ | Ctrl+Shift+~ |
The Format Cells dialog
Ctrl+1 on Windows or ⌘1 on a Mac opens the full Format Cells dialog, where you set number formats, borders, fill, font and alignment in one place. It works on whatever cell or range is selected.
Skip the dialog with direct formats
For common formats you don't need the dialog at all: Ctrl+Shift+$ / ⌃⇧$ for currency, Ctrl+Shift+% / ⌃⇧% for percent, and Ctrl+Shift+~ / ⌃⇧~ to strip formatting back to General.
FAQ
What is the Format Cells shortcut in Excel?
Press Ctrl+1 on Windows or ⌘1 on a Mac to open the Format Cells dialog for the selected cells.
Does Ctrl+1 work in Excel for Mac?
Yes — the Mac equivalent is ⌘1 (Command+1), and it opens the same Format Cells dialog.
How do I apply currency format without the dialog?
Press Ctrl+Shift+$ on Windows or ⌃⇧$ on Mac to apply the currency number format instantly.