Underline Text in Excel (Ctrl + U)
The Underline Text shortcut in Excel allows you to quickly underline selected text or numbers inside cells. This is useful for headings, totals, emphasis, or formatting reports professionally.
| Platform | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + U |
| Mac | Cmd + U |
What Does Underline Text Do in Excel?
Underlining text adds a line below the selected characters, making them stand out. Excel supports single underline and double underline styles via the Font dialog.
How to Underline Text Using Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the cell or text you want to underline.
- Press Ctrl + U (Windows) or Cmd + U (Mac).
- The underline is applied instantly.
How to Remove Underline in Excel
Press the same shortcut again (Ctrl + U) to remove the underline formatting.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use underline sparingly—bold text is usually better for headings.
- For accounting formats, prefer double underline from the Font dialog.
- Underline works on text, numbers, and formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ctrl + U work inside a cell while editing?
Yes. Double-click the cell or press F2, then select text and press Ctrl + U.
Can I apply double underline using shortcut?
No. Double underline is available only through the Font dialog (Ctrl + 1).
Is underline available in all Excel versions?
Yes, the underline shortcut works in all modern versions of Excel on Windows and Mac.