Excel percentage shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + %

What it does

Ctrl + Shift + % applies the Percentage number format. Excel multiplies the value by 100 for display and adds the percent sign, so 0.15 is shown as 15%. The real value in the cell does not change.

When to use it

Use it for discounts, tax rates, growth and any column that is a share of something. Type the value as a decimal (0.15), or type 15% directly and Excel understands it.

How to do it

1. Select the cells with decimal values such as 0.15.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + % (the percent sign is Shift + 5 on most keyboards).
3. The cells now show 15%. Add decimals with the Increase Decimal button if you need them.

A quick example

A column of discounts holds 0.15, 0.1 and 0.05. Select the three cells and press Ctrl + Shift + %: they now read 15%, 10% and 5%. If you want to show 15.5%, add a decimal place with the Increase Decimal button on the Home tab.

Formatting a percentage vs calculating one

The shortcut only changes how a number is displayed. To calculate a percentage you still need a formula: the share of a total is =B2/B$10, and the change between an old and a new value is =(C2-B2)/B2. Type the formula first, then press Ctrl + Shift + % so the result reads as a percentage. The zoom percentage in the corner of the window is a different thing.

Not working? Check this

• The number looks huge, like 1500%: the cell already held 15. Percent format multiplies by 100, so use 0.15 or retype 15%.
• You see 0%: the value is smaller than 0.5% and rounds to zero. Add decimal places.
• On a Mac the shortcut is Control + Shift + %.