Apple Numbers Keyboard Shortcuts

Q: What are the most useful Apple Numbers keyboard shortcuts?

The most essential Apple Numbers shortcuts are: Cmd + = (Auto sum), Tab (Next cell), Option + Tab (New row).

Q: What is the Apple Numbers shortcut for auto sum?

The Apple Numbers shortcut for auto sum is Cmd + =. Calculate sum of selected cells.

Complete Apple Numbers keyboard shortcuts and commands reference — 212 shortcuts across 10 categories. Quick reference cheat sheet for Windows & Mac.

Numbers is Apple's spreadsheet, and it behaves differently from Excel in one visible way: tables are objects on a canvas rather than a single grid, so several shortcuts act on the table under the cursor. The everyday keys still match — Tab and Return move, F2 edits — and the table follows the Numbers User Guide for Mac.

General (42)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Fn` + `D`	Start dictation	Start dictation.
`Cmd` + `N`	Open the template chooser	Open the template chooser.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `N`	Open the template chooser and show the Language pop-up menu	Open the template chooser and show the Language pop-up menu.
`Cmd` + `O`	Open an existing spreadsheet	Open an existing spreadsheet.
`Esc`	Close the template chooser	Close the template chooser.
`Cmd` + `S`	Save a spreadsheet	Save a spreadsheet.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `S`	Save as	Save as.
`Return`	End editing the spreadsheet or sheet name	End editing the spreadsheet or sheet name.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `S`	Duplicate a spreadsheet	Duplicate a spreadsheet.
`Esc (Escape)`	End editing the spreadsheet or sheet name and restore the original name	End editing the spreadsheet or sheet name and restore the original name.
`Cmd` + `P`	Print a spreadsheet	Print a spreadsheet.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `N`	Add a new sheet	Add a new sheet.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `{`	Switch to the previous sheet	Switch to the previous sheet.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `}`	Switch to the next sheet	Switch to the next sheet.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `{`	Switch to the first sheet	Switch to the first sheet.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `}`	Switch to the last sheet	Switch to the last sheet.
`Page Up`	Scroll one page up in print preview	Scroll one page up in print preview.
`Page Down`	Scroll one page down in print preview	Scroll one page down in print preview.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `P`	Preview a sheet or spreadsheet	Preview a sheet or spreadsheet.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `?`	Open the Numbers User Guide	Open the Numbers User Guide.
`Cmd` + `W`	Close a window	Close a window.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `W`	Close all windows	Close all windows.
`Cmd` + `M`	Minimize a window	Minimize a window.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `M`	Minimize all windows	Minimize all windows.
`Cmd` + `Ctrl` + `F`	Enter full-screen view	Enter full-screen view.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `>`	Zoom in	Zoom in.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `<`	Zoom out	Zoom out.
`Cmd` + `,`	Show the Settings window	Show the Settings window.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `0`	Zoom to selection	Zoom to selection.
`Cmd` + `0`	Return to actual size	Return to actual size.
`Cmd` + `R`	Show the spreadsheet rulers	Show the spreadsheet rulers.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `C`	Show the Colors window	Show the Colors window.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `T`	Hide or show the toolbar	Hide or show the toolbar.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `I`	Hide or show the sidebar	Hide or show the sidebar.
`Ctrl` + `Grave`	Open the next tab of the sidebar	Open the next tab of the sidebar.
`Shift` + `Ctrl` + `Grave`	Open the previous tab of the sidebar	Open the previous tab of the sidebar.
`Cmd` + `H`	Hide Numbers	Hide Numbers.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `H`	Hide other windows	Hide other windows.
`Cmd` + `Z`	Undo the last action	Undo the last action.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `Z`	Redo the last action	Redo the last action.
`Cmd` + `Q`	Quit Numbers	Quit Numbers.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Q`	Quit Numbers and keep windows open	Quit Numbers and keep windows open.

Move around within a spreadsheet (21)

Select text (14)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Cmd` + `A`	Select all objects and text	Select all objects and text.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `A`	Deselect all objects and text	Deselect all objects and text.
`Shift` + `Right`	Extend the selection one character to the right	Extend the selection one character to the right.
`Shift` + `Left`	Extend the selection one character to the left	Extend the selection one character to the left.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Right`	Extend the selection to the end of the current word, then to the end of subsequent words	Extend the selection to the end of the current word, then to the end of subsequent words.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Left`	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current word	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current word.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `Right`	Extend the selection to the end of the current line	Extend the selection to the end of the current line.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `Left`	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current line	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current line.
`Shift` + `Up`	Extend the selection to the line above	Extend the selection to the line above.
`Shift` + `Down`	Extend the selection to the line below	Extend the selection to the line below.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Up`	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current paragraph	Extend the selection to the beginning of the current paragraph.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Down`	Extend the selection to the end of the current paragraph	Extend the selection to the end of the current paragraph.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `Up or Shift` + `Home`	Extend the selection to the beginning of the text	Extend the selection to the beginning of the text.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `Down or Shift` + `End`	Extend the selection to the end of the text	Extend the selection to the end of the text.

Format text (34)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Cmd` + `T`	Show the Fonts window	Show the Fonts window.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `C`	Show the Colors window	Show the Colors window.
`Cmd` + `B`	Apply boldface to selected text	Apply boldface to selected text.
`Cmd` + `I`	Apply italic to selected text	Apply italic to selected text.
`Cmd` + `U`	Apply underline to selected text	Apply underline to selected text.
`Delete or Ctrl` + `H`	Delete the previous character or selection	Delete the previous character or selection.
`Ctrl` + `D`	Delete the next character or selection	Delete the next character or selection.
`Option` + `Delete`	Delete the word before the insertion point	Delete the word before the insertion point.
`Ctrl` + `K`	Delete the text between the insertion point and the next paragraph break	Delete the text between the insertion point and the next paragraph break.
`Cmd` + `+`	Make the font size bigger	Make the font size bigger.
`Cmd` + `-`	Make the font size smaller	Make the font size smaller.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `[`	Decrease the space between selected characters	Decrease the space between selected characters.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `]`	Increase the space between selected characters	Increase the space between selected characters.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `+`	Make the text superscript	Make the text superscript.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `-`	Make the text subscript	Make the text subscript.
`Cmd` + `[`	Decrease the indent level of a block of text or a list item	Decrease the indent level of a block of text or a list item.
`Cmd` + `]`	Increase the indent level of a block of text or a list item	Increase the indent level of a block of text or a list item.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Decrease the indent level of a list item or headline	Decrease the indent level of a list item or headline.
`Tab`	Increase the indent level of a list item or headline	Increase the indent level of a list item or headline.
`Cmd` + `K`	Turn text or an object into a link	Turn text or an object into a link.
`Cmd` + `X`	Cut the selection	Cut the selection.
`Cmd` + `C`	Copy the selection	Copy the selection.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `C`	Copy the paragraph style	Copy the paragraph style.
`Cmd` + `V`	Paste the selection	Paste the selection.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste the paragraph style	Paste the paragraph style.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste and match the style of the destination text	Paste and match the style of the destination text.
`Option` + `Space`	Insert a nonbreaking space	Insert a nonbreaking space.
`Shift` + `Return`	Insert a line break (soft return)	Insert a line break (soft return).
`Option` + `Return`	Insert a paragraph break	Insert a paragraph break.
`Ctrl` + `O`	Insert a new line after the insertion point	Insert a new line after the insertion point.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `Space`	Enter special characters	Enter special characters.
`Ctrl` + `T`	Transpose the characters on either side of the insertion point	Transpose the characters on either side of the insertion point.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `T`	Insert the current time	Insert the current time.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `D`	Insert the current date	Insert the current date.

Find and delete text, use comments, and check spelling (17)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Delete`	Delete the previous character or selection	Delete the previous character or selection.
`Fn` + `Delete`	Delete the next character or selection	Delete the next character or selection.
`Cmd` + `F`	Find	Find.
`Cmd` + `G`	Find next (while in the Find window)	Find next (while in the Find window).
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `G`	Find previous (while in the Find window)	Find previous (while in the Find window).
`Cmd` + `E`	Place the selected text in the Find & Replace text field	Place the selected text in the Find & Replace text field.
`Return`	Replace text	Replace text.
`Cmd` + `J`	Scroll the window to show the selected text or object	Scroll the window to show the selected text or object.
`Esc`	Hide the Find window	Hide the Find window.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `D`	Look up the word at the insertion point	Look up the word at the insertion point.
`Option` + `Esc`	Display a list of words to complete the selected word	Display a list of words to complete the selected word.
`Cmd` + `;`	Check spelling and grammar	Check spelling and grammar.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `:`	Show the Spelling and Grammar window	Show the Spelling and Grammar window.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `K`	Open a new comment for the selected text, object, or table cell	Open a new comment for the selected text, object, or table cell.
`Cmd` + `Return`	Save a comment	Save a comment.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `K`	Show the next comment	Show the next comment.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `K`	Show the previous comment	Show the previous comment.

Move, group, layer, and resize objects (18)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Select the next object on the sheet	Select the next object on the sheet.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the previous object on the sheet	Select the previous object on the sheet.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `C`	Copy the graphic style	Copy the graphic style.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste the graphic style	Paste the graphic style.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `B`	Send the selected object to the back	Send the selected object to the back.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `B`	Send the selected object one layer back	Send the selected object one layer back.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `F`	Bring the selected object to the front	Bring the selected object to the front.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `F`	Bring the selected object one layer forward	Bring the selected object one layer forward.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `G`	Group selected objects	Group selected objects.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `G`	Ungroup selected objects	Ungroup selected objects.
`Tab`	Select the next object in a group	Select the next object in a group.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the previous object in a group	Select the previous object in a group.
`Cmd` + `L`	Lock selected objects	Lock selected objects.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `L`	Unlock selected objects	Unlock selected objects.
`Press Shift while rotating`	Rotate the object 45°	Rotate the object 45°.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `M`	Mask or unmask the object	Mask or unmask the object.
`Cmd` + `Return`	Exit text editing and select the object	Exit text editing and select the object.
`Ctrl` + `Option` + `Cmd` + `I`	Define the object as a media placeholder	Define the object as a media placeholder.

Modify editable shapes (1)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `P`	Draw a custom shape with the Pen tool	Draw a custom shape with the Pen tool.

Work with tables (62)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Option` + `Cmd` + `E`	Insert an equation	Insert an equation.
`Option` + `Up`	Add a row above the selected cells	Add a row above the selected cells.
`Option` + `Down`	Add a row below the selected cells	Add a row below the selected cells.
`Option` + `Right`	Add a column to the right of the selected cells	Add a column to the right of the selected cells.
`Option` + `Left`	Add a column to the left of the selected cells	Add a column to the left of the selected cells.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Delete`	Delete selected rows	Delete selected rows.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `Delete`	Delete selected columns	Delete selected columns.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Return`	Select all rows that intersect the current selection	Select all rows that intersect the current selection.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `Return`	Select all columns that intersect the current selection	Select all columns that intersect the current selection.
`Shift` + `Up or Shift` + `Down`	Select additional rows	Select additional rows.
`Shift` + `Right or Shift` + `Left`	Select additional columns	Select additional columns.
`Cmd` + `Return`	Select a table from a cell selection	Select a table from a cell selection.
`Option` + `Return`	Select the first cell in a selected table	Select the first cell in a selected table.
`Cmd` + `A`	Select all content in a table	Select all content in a table.
`Delete`	Delete the selected table, or the contents of selected cells	Delete the selected table, or the contents of selected cells.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `C`	Copy cell style	Copy cell style.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste cell style	Paste cell style.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste and preserve the style of the destination cell	Paste and preserve the style of the destination cell.
`Option` + `Return`	Edit a cell	Edit a cell.
`Space`	Open a pop-up menu in a selected cell	Open a pop-up menu in a selected cell.
`Return or Space`	Select a value in a pop-up menu in a selected cell	Select a value in a pop-up menu in a selected cell.
`Space, Y, or N`	Check or uncheck a checkbox in a selected cell	Check or uncheck a checkbox in a selected cell.
`0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5`	Set the number of stars for a selected star rating cell	Set the number of stars for a selected star rating cell.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `U`	Auto-align cell content	Auto-align cell content.
`Cmd` + `Return`	Stop editing the cell and select the cell	Stop editing the cell and select the cell.
`Tab`	Select the next cell or, if the last cell of a row is selected, add a new column	Select the next cell or, if the last cell of a row is selected, add a new column.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the previous cell	Select the previous cell.
`Return`	Select the cell below	Select the cell below.
`Shift` + `Return`	Select the cell above	Select the cell above.
`Cmd` + `Return`	Select the parent of the current selection	Select the parent of the current selection.
`Option` + `Tab`	Insert a tab when editing text or a formula	Insert a tab when editing text or a formula.
`Shift` + `Option` + `Return`	Insert a line break (soft return) when editing text in a cell	Insert a line break (soft return) when editing text in a cell.
`Option` + `Return`	Insert a paragraph break (hard return) when editing text in a cell	Insert a paragraph break (hard return) when editing text in a cell.
`Ctrl` + `=`	Open the Formula Editor with the contents of the selected cell	Open the Formula Editor with the contents of the selected cell.
`Ctrl` + `=`	Convert the formula in the open Formula Editor to text	Convert the formula in the open Formula Editor to text.
`=`	Open the empty Formula Editor	Open the empty Formula Editor.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste formula results	Paste formula results.
`Return or Tab`	In the Formula Editor, save changes	In the Formula Editor, save changes.
`Esc (Escape)`	In the Formula Editor, discard changes	In the Formula Editor, discard changes.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `F`	Turn Filters on or off	Turn Filters on or off.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `R`	Apply sorting rules	Apply sorting rules.
`Cmd` + `8`	Collapse selected category groups	Collapse selected category groups.
`Cmd` + `9`	Expand selected category groups	Expand selected category groups.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Left`	Select the first populated cell in the current row	Select the first populated cell in the current row.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Right`	Select the last populated cell in the current row	Select the last populated cell in the current row.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Up`	Select the first populated cell in the current column	Select the first populated cell in the current column.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `Down`	Select the last populated cell in the current column	Select the last populated cell in the current column.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the table name	Select the table name.
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `V`	Paste a formula result	Paste a formula result.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `Left`	Expand the current selection to include the first populated cell in the current row	Expand the current selection to include the first populated cell in the current row.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `Right`	Expand the current selection to include the last populated cell in the current row	Expand the current selection to include the last populated cell in the current row.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `Up`	Expand the current selection to include the first populated cell in the current column	Expand the current selection to include the first populated cell in the current column.
`Option` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `Down`	Expand the current selection to include the last populated cell in the current column	Expand the current selection to include the last populated cell in the current column.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `M`	Merge selected cells	Merge selected cells.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Cmd` + `M`	Unmerge selected cells	Unmerge selected cells.
`Ctrl` + `Option` + `Cmd` + `Up`	Add or remove the top border	Add or remove the top border.
`Ctrl` + `Option` + `Cmd` + `Down`	Add or remove the bottom border	Add or remove the bottom border.
`Ctrl` + `Option` + `Cmd` + `Right`	Add or remove the right border	Add or remove the right border.
`Ctrl` + `Option` + `Cmd` + `Left`	Add or remove the left border	Add or remove the left border.
`Cmd` + `\`	Turn on autofill mode	Turn on autofill mode.
`Ctrl` + `Cmd` + `\`	Autofill from the column before	Autofill from the column before.
`Option` + `Cmd` + `\`	Autofill from the row above	Autofill from the row above.

Work with charts (1)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Shift` + `Cmd` + `D`	Edit chart data references	Edit chart data references.

Create cell references in formulas (2)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Option` + `Return`	Insert a line break	Insert a line break.
`Option` + `Tab`	Insert a tab	Insert a tab.

📜 Source: Apple — Numbers User Guide for Mac, Keyboard shortcuts. Every keyboard row of the Numbers guide, grouped as the guide groups them; click, drag and multi-step entries are omitted. Checked 2026-09-06. How we verify ›

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most useful Apple Numbers keyboard shortcuts?

The most essential Apple Numbers shortcuts are: Cmd + = (Auto sum), Tab (Next cell), Option + Tab (New row).

What is the Apple Numbers shortcut for auto sum?

The Apple Numbers shortcut for auto sum is Cmd + =. Calculate sum of selected cells.

What's the fastest way to learn all Apple Numbers shortcuts?

Print the Apple Numbers cheat sheet and keep it next to your keyboard for the first week, then switch to active recall: open Shortcut Speedrun and practice Apple Numbers shortcuts against the clock until they're automatic.

Can I combine Apple Numbers shortcuts with other tools?

Yes — use My Stack to combine Apple Numbers shortcuts with any other platform on this site into one printable reference, which is useful if your daily workflow spans several tools.

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Moving and entering

Tab moves to the next cell and Return confirms and moves down, the same as other spreadsheets; at the last column, Tab wraps to the next row. Option + Tab inserts a new row when you reach the bottom rather than leaving the table, and Option + Down and Option + Right add a row below or a column to the right of the selection at any point. F2 enters edit mode in the current cell with the cursor at the end.

Formulas and formatting

Cmd + = inserts a SUM of the selected cells or the column above — the AutoSum equivalent — and typing = in a cell starts any formula, with the function browser appearing for arguments. Cmd + K adds a hyperlink to selected text. Cell text takes the usual trio — bold Cmd + B, italic Cmd + I, underline Cmd + U — and the Format sidebar handles number formats, which have no default keys.

Finding and undoing

Cmd + F opens find across all sheets and tables in the document, with replace available from the menu at the left. Undo is Cmd + Z, redo Cmd + Shift + Z. Because a Numbers sheet can hold several tables, a find result may sit in a table off-screen; Numbers scrolls to it when selected.

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Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Left`	Move one character to the left	Move one character to the left.
`Right`	Move one character to the right	Move one character to the right.
`Ctrl` + `B`	Move one character backward (works for left-to-right and right-to-left text)	Move one character backward (works for left-to-right and right-to-left text).
`Ctrl` + `F`	Move one character forward (works for left-to-right and right-to-left text)	Move one character forward (works for left-to-right and right-to-left text).
`Up`	Move to the line above	Move to the line above.
`Down`	Move to the line below	Move to the line below.
`Option` + `Left or Ctrl` + `Option` + `B`	Move to the beginning of the current or previous word	Move to the beginning of the current or previous word.
`Option` + `Right`	Move to the end of the current or next word	Move to the end of the current or next word.
`Cmd` + `Up`	Move to the beginning of the current text area	Move to the beginning of the current text area.
`Cmd` + `Down`	Move to the bottom of the current text area	Move to the bottom of the current text area.
`Cmd` + `Left`	Move to the beginning of the current line	Move to the beginning of the current line.
`Cmd` + `Right`	Move to the end of the current line	Move to the end of the current line.
`Option` + `Up`	Move to the beginning of the current paragraph	Move to the beginning of the current paragraph.
`Option` + `Down`	Move to the end of the current paragraph	Move to the end of the current paragraph.
`Cmd` + `J`	Jump to a selection in a spreadsheet	Jump to a selection in a spreadsheet.
`Page Up`	Scroll up the sheet	Scroll up the sheet.
`Page Down`	Scroll down the sheet	Scroll down the sheet.
`Home or Fn` + `Up`	Scroll to the beginning of the sheet	Scroll to the beginning of the sheet.
`End or Fn` + `Down`	Scroll to the end of the sheet	Scroll to the end of the sheet.
`Ctrl` + `L`	Center the insertion point in the app window	Center the insertion point in the app window.
`Ctrl` + `V`	Move down a page	Move down a page.