What is the shortcut for Find and Replace in Excel?

Press Ctrl + H to open Find and Replace.

Can Find and Replace search the whole workbook?

Yes. Open Options and set Within to Workbook instead of Sheet.

Use it on one real task this week, then add a sticky note on your monitor with the shortcut until it becomes automatic.

Most shortcuts differ slightly on Mac (Cmd instead of Ctrl). Check the function or feature page for platform notes when something does not work.

Tips & Tricks - 2026-05-12

Use Find and Replace in Excel to update text, formulas, formats, spaces, line breaks, wildcards, and workbook-wide values safely.

Find and Replace helps you locate values, text, formulas, and formatting across a sheet or workbook. It is powerful, so it should be used carefully. Open it with: \\\ Ctrl + H \\\

Use Find what and Replace with to update repeated labels. Example: Replace "Pending" with "Open" Replace old department names Standardize product codes Always review a few matches before using Replace All.

Click Options and change Within from Sheet to Workbook. This is useful when a value appears across many tabs.

Excel supports wildcards: * means any number of characters ? means one character Use wildcards carefully because they can match more than expected.

Find and Replace can remove repeated characters, but for spaces and imported data, formulas like TRIM and CLEAN are often safer.

Try the shortcut or setting on a copy of your file first. Pin the technique to your Quick Access Toolbar if you will use it daily. Pair productivity tips with Excel Tables and named ranges for fewer broken references. Explore: Tips archive · Keyboard shortcuts guide

What is the shortcut for Find and Replace in Excel? Press Ctrl + H to open Find and Replace.
Can Find and Replace search the whole workbook? Yes. Open Options and set Within to Workbook instead of Sheet.
How do I remember this Excel tip? Use it on one real task this week, then add a sticky note on your monitor with the shortcut until it becomes automatic.
Will this tip work on Mac Excel? Most shortcuts differ slightly on Mac (Cmd instead of Ctrl). Check the function or feature page for platform notes when something does not work.