New Sheet and Switch Between Sheets Shortcuts in Excel for Mac
Adding a sheet and flipping between tabs are two of the most common moves in a workbook. On a Mac the keys are close to Windows, with two small catches.
Quick answer: In Excel for Mac, press Shift+F11 to insert a new worksheet, and ⌥→ or ⌥← to move to the next or previous sheet. Microsoft also lists Control+Page Down for the next sheet. On a MacBook, F11 usually needs the fn key as well. The Mac Excel Shortcuts app covers the Windows-style ribbon sequences that Excel does not offer natively.
The shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Insert a new worksheet | Shift+F11 | Shift+F11 |
| Next sheet | Ctrl+Page Down | ⌥→ |
| Previous sheet | Ctrl+Page Up | ⌥← |
The fn-key catch
On most MacBooks the top row of keys defaults to brightness, volume and media. That means F11 may change the volume unless you hold fn. Either press fn+Shift+F11, or change the setting so function keys act as standard function keys. Our function keys guide shows how.
Why the Option-arrow version is the safe choice
MacBooks have no dedicated Page Up or Page Down keys, so the Windows-style shortcut becomes a three-key chord with fn and the arrows. The arrow shortcuts are easier: ⌥→ and ⌥← work from the keyboard's main block. Avoid Control+arrow, because macOS may use it for switching desktops.
Other quick sheet tasks
Rename a sheet: double-click the tab.
Reorder sheets: drag a tab left or right.
Jump to a specific cell on another sheet: use Go To.
Move through a workbook without the mouse: combine the sheet shortcuts above with the arrow keys. If your arrow keys scroll the window instead of moving the cell, read arrow keys scroll instead of moving cells.