Time shortcut in Excel

Release Feb 1, 2022Update Aug 24, 2022
Written in Excel for Microsoft 365 version 2202

In addition to shortcuts for inserting the current time, Excel also has shortcuts for applying a time format to data. This shortcut is very useful, for example, when data that was entered in time format has somehow been converted to standard format. We will also show you how to display the time in any format from the Format Cells dialog box.

Time shortcut

Time format shortcut

Windows
Ctrl + Shift + @

Mac
control + shift + @

Display the Format Cells dialog box

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

Mac
command + 1 or control + 1

Apply time format

This is a shortcut to apply the time format.

Total Time: 1 minute

Select a cell

Select the cells to which you want to apply the time format.

Apply the time format

Press Ctrl + Shift + @ to apply the hh:mm time format.

Change the time format from Format Cells dialog box

Select the cells for which you want to change the time format.

Press Ctrl + 1 or Alt + H + F + M to display the Format Cells dialog box.

Press Alt + C to select a category, use ↑ (Up Arrow key) to select a time.

Press Alt + T to select a type, use ↓ (Down Arrow key) to select a time format (ex 1:30 PM).