Alt Key Shortcuts in Excel for Mac: What Each One Becomes
Quick answer: In Excel for Mac, Alt+Enter (new line in a cell) becomes Cmd+Option+Return or Ctrl+Option+Return, Alt+= (AutoSum) becomes Shift+Cmd+T, and Ctrl+Alt+V (Paste Special) becomes Cmd+Ctrl+V. Alt ribbon sequences such as Alt, H, V, V have no native Mac equivalent.
The Windows Alt key is used in two ways: as a modifier in combinations such as Alt+Enter, and as a starter for Ribbon KeyTips such as Alt, H, V. Mac Excel supports the first group with different keys, and does not support the second group natively.
Alt shortcuts and their Mac versions
| Windows | Mac Excel | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Alt+Enter | Cmd+Option+Return or Ctrl+Option+Return | New line inside a cell |
| Alt+= | Shift+Cmd+T | AutoSum |
| Ctrl+Alt+V | Cmd+Ctrl+V | Paste Special |
| Alt+Tab | ⌘Tab | Switch applications |
| Alt+F4 | ⌘Q | Quit the app (⌘W closes the window) |
| Alt, H, V, V | Cmd+Ctrl+V, V, Return | Paste Values |
| Other Alt, letter sequences | No native equivalent | Use menus, or an app that adds them |
The key names and the exact combinations come from Microsoft's Excel shortcut list for Mac. For the Alt key itself, see What Is the Alt Key on a Mac? Where It Is, What Replaces It, and Alt vs Option.
New line in a cell
Press Cmd+Option+Return (or Ctrl+Option+Return) while editing a cell to start a new line inside it. For wrapping long text and combining this with Wrap Text, see Alt+Enter on Mac: How to Add a New Line and Wrap Text in an Excel Cell.
AutoSum
Select the cell below or beside your numbers and press Shift+Cmd+T. Excel inserts the SUM formula and highlights the range for you to confirm.
The Alt ribbon sequences
On Windows, tapping Alt shows letters on the Ribbon so you can type a path, for example Alt, H, V, V for Paste Values. Excel for Mac does not have KeyTips, so tapping Option does nothing. You have three options:
Use the native Mac shortcut where one exists, such as Cmd+Ctrl+V for Paste Special. See Paste Values Shortcut in Excel for Mac (Plus Formulas, Formats and Transpose).
Use the Ribbon and menus with the mouse or trackpad.
Use the Mac Excel Shortcuts app, which adds the Windows-style sequences to Excel for Mac. The supported list is in What Shortcuts Does the Mac Excel Shortcuts app Cover?.
More background: How to Make Windows Ribbon Sequence Keys Work in Excel for Mac? and What Replaces Ribbon Access Keys in Excel on Mac?.
If the Alt key itself does not respond
When Option does not type characters or the shortcuts above fail, see Alt (Option) Key Not Working on Your Mac? Causes and Fixes, and for an external keyboard see Alt Key on an External or Windows Keyboard Connected to a Mac (Logitech, Keychron and More).
FAQs
What is Alt+Enter on Mac Excel?
Cmd+Option+Return or Ctrl+Option+Return inserts a line break in the cell you are editing.
What is the shortcut for AutoSum on Mac?
Shift+Cmd+T.
Can I use Alt, H, V, V on a Mac?
Not natively. Use Cmd+Ctrl+V, then V, then Return, or use an app that adds the sequence.