The show formulas in Excel shortcut key is Ctrl + `, using the grave accent key just below Esc. Every cell switches from its result to its formula, and columns widen so you can read them. Press it again to go back to results.
To keep part of a formula fixed while you copy it down or across, press F4 while the cursor is on a cell reference. A1 becomes $A$1, an absolute reference; pressing F4 again cycles through A$1, $A1 and back to A1.
Quick facts
Show formulas
Ctrl + `Lock reference
F4Mac lock reference
Command + TEdit a cell
F2Trace precedents
Ctrl + [Protect sheet
Alt, then R, then P, then S
Show formulas in Excel shortcut key and auditing
Ctrl + ` is the fastest way to check a sheet someone else built. With formulas showing, you can spot a total typed as a number instead of a SUM, or a reference pointing to the wrong row. The same switch is on the Formulas tab as Show Formulas. When you click a formula cell, Ctrl + [ jumps to the cells it uses, and Ctrl + ] to cells that depend on it.
Shortcut for absolute reference in Excel: F4
| Press | Reference | When copied |
|---|---|---|
| First | $A$1 | Column and row both fixed |
| Second | A$1 | Row fixed, column changes |
| Third | $A1 | Column fixed, row changes |
| Fourth | A1 | Both change again |
Use $A$1 for a single rate or total, such as a tax percentage in one cell. Mixed references like A$1 and $A1 power multiplication tables and price grids, where one direction should move and the other stay put.
Lock formula Excel dollar sign shortcut key, step by step
- Type = and click the cell you want to fix, such as the GST rate in B1.
- Press F4 once. Excel shows $B$1.
- Finish the formula, for example =A4*$B$1, and press Enter.
- Fill it down with Ctrl + D; every row still uses B1 for the rate.
On laptops where F4 changes brightness or volume, press Fn + F4 or turn on Fn Lock. Excel for Mac uses Command + T for the same toggle, and newer Mac versions accept Fn + F4 too.
Protect formulas from being changed
Locking with $ only controls copying. To stop people editing formulas, use sheet protection. By default every cell is marked Locked, so first select the input cells people should fill in, press Ctrl + 1, open the Protection tab and untick Locked. Tick Hidden on formula cells if you also want the formula bar to stay blank. Then press Alt, then R, then P, then S to protect the sheet, with a password if needed. Formulas are now safe while the input cells stay editable.
When these shortcuts do not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + ` does nothing | Your layout puts the grave accent elsewhere; use Formulas, Show Formulas |
| F4 repeats the last action | You are not editing a formula; press F2 first |
| F4 changes brightness | Press Fn + F4 or turn on Fn Lock |
| Formula shows as text | The cell was formatted as Text; change it to General and re-enter |
Frequently asked questions
What is the show formulas in Excel shortcut key?
What is the shortcut for absolute reference in Excel?
How do I add a dollar sign to a formula quickly?
Put the cursor on the reference and press F4.
What is the F4 equivalent on a Mac?
How do I stop people changing formulas?
Unlock input cells, then protect the sheet with Alt, R, P, S.
Why does F4 not work on my laptop?
Press Fn + F4 or turn on Fn Lock.