There is no single shortcut key for uppercase in Excel, unlike Word's Shift + F3. The fastest real methods are the UPPER formula and Flash Fill. Type =UPPER(A2) in a spare column to get the text from A2 in capitals, or type one example in capitals and press Ctrl + E to let Flash Fill do the rest.
For First Letter Capital, use =PROPER(A2). After converting, paste the results as values over the original so the formulas are not needed any more. All the steps are below.
Quick facts
Capitals
=UPPER(A2)First letter capital
=PROPER(A2)Small letters
=LOWER(A2)Flash Fill
Ctrl + EPaste values
Ctrl + Alt + V, VWord alternative
Shift + F3
Shortcut key for uppercase in Excel with a formula
- Insert a spare column next to your text, for example B next to names in A.
- In B2 type =UPPER(A2) and press Enter.
- Select B2 down to the last row and press Ctrl + D to fill the formula down.
- Copy column B, click A2, and paste values only through Ctrl + Alt + V followed by V.
- Delete column B.
The insert column and paste special guides explain those two steps in detail.
Small letter to capital letter with Flash Fill
Flash Fill copies a pattern you show it. Next to the first name, type it exactly as you want it, all in capitals. Move to the cell below and press Ctrl + E. Excel fills the whole column in the same style. Check a few rows, then delete the original column if you no longer need it. Flash Fill is available in all current Excel versions on Windows.
Change case formulas in Excel
| Formula | Result from 'rahul kumar' |
|---|---|
| =UPPER(A2) | RAHUL KUMAR |
| =PROPER(A2) | Rahul Kumar |
| =LOWER(A2) | rahul kumar |
| =UPPER(LEFT(A2,1))&MID(A2,2,100) | Rahul kumar (first letter only) |
PROPER is the shortcut key for first letter capital in Excel that most people want for names, though it also capitalises words like of and and, so check addresses afterwards.
Use Word for a quick change
For a short list, copy the cells into Word, select them, press Shift + F3 until the case is right, then copy back into Excel. Word's change case key is explained in capital letter shortcut key. This avoids helper columns but can bring Word formatting with it, so paste back with values.
When the case does not change
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Formula shows as text | The column is formatted as Text; set it to General and re-enter |
| Flash Fill does nothing | Type two examples, or turn it on under File, Options, Advanced |
| Results disappear when column A is deleted | You deleted the source before pasting values |
| Names like McDonald look wrong | PROPER cannot know special cases; fix them by hand |
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for uppercase in Excel?
There is none. Use =UPPER(A2) or Flash Fill with Ctrl + E.
How do I make the first letter capital in Excel?
Use =PROPER(A2).
Can Excel convert a whole column of small letters to capitals?
Yes. Put UPPER in a helper column, fill it down, then paste the values back over the original.
What does Ctrl + E do in Excel?
It runs Flash Fill, which copies a pattern you type.
Can I use Shift + F3 in Excel?
No. In Excel it opens Insert Function. Shift + F3 changes case in Word.
How do I keep the result after deleting the formula?
Paste it as values with Ctrl + Alt + V, then V.