F4 in Excel: The Shortcut That Adds $ Signs for You
Press F4 while editing a formula to cycle $B$2, B$2, $B2 and B2. Mac and laptop equivalents, the repeat-action trick, and why F4 may not work.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Typing dollar signs by hand is slow and error-prone. F4 adds them for you.
How it works
- Start editing a formula (press F2 or click in the formula bar).
- Put the cursor on or right after a reference, e.g.
B14. - Press F4. It cycles:
| Press | Reference | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $B$14 | fully locked |
| 2 | B$14 | row locked |
| 3 | $B14 | column locked |
| 4 | B14 | back to relative |
Select a whole range like A2:C50 before pressing F4 to lock both ends at once.
Mac and laptops
- Excel for Mac: Command + T, or Fn + F4.
- Laptops where F-keys control brightness/volume: press Fn + F4, or switch the keyboard's Fn lock.
- Google Sheets: F4 works in the browser on Windows; Fn + F4 on many laptops and Macs.
F4 outside a formula: repeat last action
When you're not editing a formula, F4 (or Ctrl+Y) repeats your last action: insert a row, apply a format, delete a column. Handy for repetitive formatting.
Why F4 isn't working
- You're not in edit mode (it repeats an action instead).
- The cursor isn't on a reference.
- The laptop needs Fn.
- On Mac, use Command+T.
When to press it
Every time a formula will be filled down or across and points at one fixed cell: a total, a rate, a lookup table. Full explanation: absolute references and mixed references.
Same idea in Cellio
In Cellio's tap-to-build keyboard, the $ key works like F4: it cycles the locks on the last cell you added (B14 → $B$14 → B$14 → $B14), so you learn the four states the same way you'll use them in Excel.
Frequently asked questions
What does F4 do in Excel?
While editing a formula, it toggles absolute and relative references. Otherwise it repeats your last action.
What is the Mac shortcut for F4 in Excel?
Command + T (or Fn + F4).
Why does F4 not work on my laptop?
The F-keys are set to media controls. Press Fn + F4.
Does F4 work in Google Sheets?
Yes, while editing a formula on a computer.