Shortcut key for center alignment in Excel

• Release Jan 25, 2022Update Mar 18, 2022
• Written in Excel for Microsoft 365 version 2202

If text is left-aligned or right-aligned and the data is difficult to read, centering the text makes the data easier to read. Center alignment is one of the most common operations in Excel, but many people use the mouse to center data. Shortcuts can be used to quickly perform centering. Increase your work productivity by laying out your data neatly.

Center-aligned shortcut

Use the center-aligned shortcut

Windows
Access key: Alt + H + A + C

Mac
command + E

Center alignment in the Format Cells dialog box

Windows
Ctrl + 1
Access Key: Alt + H + F + M

Mac
command + 1 or control + 1

Use the center-aligned shortcut

To center text in a cell using a shortcut, do the following.

Total Time: 1 minute

Select a cell

Select the cell where you want to center the strings.

Text in a cell is centered

Press Alt + H + A + C. Text in a cell is now centered.

Center alignment in the Format Cells dialog box

Select the cell where you want to center the strings.

Press Ctrl + 1 or Alt + H + F + M. The Format Cells dialog box appears.

Press A to move to Alignment.

Press Alt + H to select Horizontal. Select Center by pressing ↓ (Down Arrow key).

Press Enter and confirm that Center is selected.

Press Enter. The text in the selected cell is now centered.