LibreOffice Calc is the free Excel alternative, and spreadsheet work is pure keyboard: formula entry, fill, references and recalculation all have keys. This complete list of LibreOffice Calc keyboard shortcut keys explains cell editing, navigation and formula shortcuts in plain words.
Cell Editing and Formula Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F2 | Edit the current cell in place |
| F4 (while editing a formula) | Cycle the reference style: A1 → $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 |
| Ctrl + F2 | Open the Function Wizard |
| Alt + Enter (in a cell) | Start a new line inside the same cell |
| Ctrl + ; (semicolon) | Insert today's date |
| Ctrl + Shift + ; (semicolon) | Insert the current time |
| Ctrl + ` (grave accent) | Show formulas instead of results (toggle) |
| F9 | Recalculate the workbook |
| Ctrl + Shift + F9 | Hard recalculation of everything |
| Ctrl + D | Fill Down (copy the top cell of the selection into the cells below) |
| Ctrl + 1 | Open Format Cells |
| Ctrl + M | Clear direct formatting from the selection |
| Ctrl + + (plus) | Insert cells (opens the Insert Cells dialog) |
| Ctrl + - (minus) | Delete cells |
| Ctrl + B / Ctrl + I / Ctrl + U | Bold / italic / underline |
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y | Undo / redo |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste Special |
Navigation and Selection Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Arrow keys | Jump to the edge of the data region |
| Ctrl + Shift + Arrow keys | Select from the current cell to the data edge |
| Ctrl + Home / Ctrl + End | Go to A1 / the last used cell |
| Ctrl + PageUp / PageDown | Move to the previous / next sheet |
| Ctrl + Shift + PageUp / PageDown | Select multiple sheets while moving |
| Ctrl + Spacebar | Select the entire column |
| Shift + Spacebar | Select the entire row |
| Ctrl + A | Select the whole sheet/current data region |
| Ctrl + F / Ctrl + H | Find / Find and Replace |
| Ctrl + G | Go to a specific cell (Navigator jump) |
| F5 | Open the Navigator |
| F7 | Spellcheck |
| F11 | Open/close the Styles sidebar |
| Ctrl + mouse wheel | Zoom in/out |
File Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | New spreadsheet |
| Ctrl + O | Open a file |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Save As |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Ctrl + W | Close the document |
| Ctrl + Q | Quit LibreOffice |
Tips for LibreOffice Calc Users
F4 while editing a formula is the reference cycler — tap it to lock rows/columns with $ signs before filling a formula across. Ctrl + ; stamps today's date as a real date value (formulas can calculate with it). And when numbers look stale, F9 recalculates; Ctrl + Shift + F9 forces a full hard recalc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insert today's date in LibreOffice Calc?
Press Ctrl + ; (semicolon) for the date and Ctrl + Shift + ; for the current time.
How do I make a cell reference absolute in LibreOffice Calc?
While editing the formula, put the cursor on the reference and press F4 to cycle A1, $A$1, A$1 and $A1.
How do I fill a formula down in LibreOffice Calc?
Select the range starting with the formula cell and press Ctrl + D (Fill Down).
How do I see formulas instead of results in LibreOffice Calc?
Press Ctrl + ` (the grave accent key, top-left) to toggle the formula view.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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