Excel like a finance pro.
Navigation shortcut
Confirm the entry and move down
Enter on Windows, Return on Mac.
When to use it
Confirms the cell entry and moves down. Its behavior is configurable: the move direction can be changed under File, Options, Advanced.
The shape of it
- Windows
Enter
- Mac
Return
Worked examples
Enter down a column
Type 100, press Enter → The value is saved and the cursor moves to the cell below
Column-wise entry.
Enter a formula
Type a formula, press Enter → The formula calculates and the cursor moves down
Ctrl + Enter keeps the cursor in place.
Compare with Alt + Enter
Alt + Enter → A line break inside the cell
Enter alone would leave the cell.
Worth knowing
- Shift + Enter moves up.
- Ctrl + Enter confirms without moving, or fills a selection.
- Enter accepts the autocomplete suggestion when the dropdown is open.
Where it goes wrong
- Pressing Enter to "select" a suggestion sometimes also moves the cursor away.
- The move direction setting affects every workbook.
Related
Learn the moves here — or let Wauvel run them on your numbers.
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