Select to Start of Cell in Excel
This shortcut allows you to select all content from the current cursor position to the beginning of the cell. It is useful when editing or formatting parts of long text or formulas.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Shift + Home | Shift + Fn + Left Arrow |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing this shortcut selects all characters from the current cursor location back to the beginning of the cell, allowing quick formatting, copying, or deletion.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cell you want to edit
- Press F2 to enter edit mode
- Hold Shift and press Home (Windows) or Shift + Fn + Left Arrow (Mac)
- The selection will extend to the beginning of the cell
Tips & Best Practices
- Stops at the first character of the cell content
- Works well in long formulas or text entries
- Combine with Ctrl/Cmd to copy or cut the selection quickly
FAQ
- Q: Can this shortcut select multiple cells?
- No, it works only within the active cell in edit mode.
- Q: What happens if the cursor is already at the start?
- The selection does not change.