Wauvel

Excel like a finance pro.

← The library

Formatting shortcut

Apply percentage format with no decimals

Ctrl + Shift + % on Windows, Ctrl + Shift + % on Mac.

CommonDifficulty 1000 · Capable
Practice · 2 questions →

When to use it

Applies the percentage format with no decimals, multiplying the display by 100.

The shape of it

Windows
Ctrl + Shift + %
Mac
Ctrl + Shift + %

Worked examples

  • Percent format

    Select 0.256, Ctrl + Shift + % → Shows 26%

    The stored value is unchanged.

  • Typing into percent cells

    Type 15 into a cell already formatted as percent → Excel stores 0.15

    Percent cells accept whole numbers.

  • Add decimals

    Ctrl + Shift + %, then Increase Decimal → 25.6%

    Add decimals from the ribbon.

Worth knowing

  • The % is on the 5 key: Ctrl + Shift + 5.
  • Format before typing to avoid the 15 versus 0.15 confusion.
  • Growth rates and margins.

Where it goes wrong

  • Formatting an existing 15 as percent shows 1500%.
  • No decimals hides small differences.

Related

Ctrl + 1Ctrl + BCtrl + ICtrl + UCtrl + Shift + $Ctrl + Shift + !

Learn the moves here — or let Wauvel run them on your numbers.

Meet your AI CFO →

One CFO-grade Excel tip a week

A short, practical email for finance operators — functions, shortcuts, and the moves that save an afternoon. Free, unsubscribe anytime.