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Shortcut Key for Center Alignment in Excel

ExcelExcelLeft, center, rightChecked 2 Nov 2026

Center

AltHAC

Press one after another

Left

AltHAL

Right

AltHAR

Mac center

CommandE

The shortcut key for center alignment in Excel works as a sequence, Alt, then H, then A, then C, pressed one key after another rather than together. Select the cells first; the text moves to the middle of each cell. Alt, then H, then A, then L aligns left and Alt, then H, then A, then R aligns right.

Unlike Word, Excel on Windows has no Ctrl + E for centering; that key runs Flash Fill. On a Mac, Excel does use Command + E to center. Vertical alignment and merge options follow the same ribbon pattern.

Quick facts

  • Center

    Alt, then H, then A, then C

  • Left

    Alt, then H, then A, then L

  • Right

    Alt, then H, then A, then R

  • Middle (vertical)

    Alt, then H, then A, then M

  • Merge and center

    Alt, then H, then M, then C

  • Alignment tab

    Ctrl + 1

  • Mac center

    Command + E

Shortcut key for center alignment in Excel and others

Excel alignment keys (Windows)
AlignmentKeys
CenterAlt, then H, then A, then C
LeftAlt, then H, then A, then L
RightAlt, then H, then A, then R
TopAlt, then H, then A, then T
MiddleAlt, then H, then A, then M
BottomAlt, then H, then A, then B
Increase indentAlt, then H, then 6
Decrease indentAlt, then H, then 5

Pressing Alt alone puts tiny key tips over every ribbon button. That is why the sequence works step by step and why you do not need to hold the keys.

Merge and center, and center across selection

Alt, then H, then M, then C merges the selected cells and centers the text, common for report titles. Merged cells cause trouble when sorting and copying, so many accountants prefer Center Across Selection: select the title row across the columns, press Ctrl + 1, open the Alignment tab, and choose Center Across Selection under Horizontal. It looks the same but keeps every cell separate. Details are in merge cells in Excel.

Numbers look neatest right aligned, which is Excel's default. Center only headings and short codes, not amounts.

Alignment shortcut in Excel for Mac

Mac Excel
AlignmentKeys
CenterCommand + E
LeftCommand + L
RightCommand + R
Format CellsCommand + 1

The Alignment tab in Format Cells

  1. Select the cells and press Ctrl + 1.
  2. Open the Alignment tab.
  3. Choose horizontal and vertical alignment, indent, text direction or angle.
  4. Tick Wrap text or Shrink to fit if needed, then click OK.

Wrapping long text is covered in wrap text in Excel; column widths in AutoFit column width.

When alignment does not change

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Ctrl + E filled data insteadThat is Flash Fill; press Ctrl + Z and use Alt, H, A, C
Text looks off centerLeading spaces in the cell; remove them with TRIM
Number stays rightThe cell has an accounting format; change the alignment on the Alignment tab
Ribbon letters do not appearPress and release Alt alone first
A school office prepares a fee register. The clerk selects the header row and presses Alt, then H, then A, then C, then Alt, then H, then A, then M to center vertically, so the taller header cells look tidy when printed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut key for center alignment in Excel?
Alt, then H, then A, then C, pressed one after another.
Does Ctrl + E center text in Excel?

No. In Excel for Windows it runs Flash Fill.

How do I align left in Excel?
Alt, then H, then A, then L.
How do I center vertically in Excel?
Alt, then H, then A, then M.
What is the merge and center shortcut?
Alt, then H, then M, then C.
What is the center shortcut in Excel for Mac?
Command + E.