Assigning a Macro to a Keyboard Combination

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 29, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

Excel allows you to assign macros to specific key combinations. These key combinations are referred to as shortcut keys, and when used they result in the macro being executed. If you want to assign or change a key combination associated with a macro, you can follow these steps:

  1. Choose the Macro option from the Tools menu, then choose Macros from the resulting submenu. This displays the Macro dialog box. (See Figure 1.)

    2. Figure 1. The Macro dialog box.

  2. From the list of available macros, select the macro whose shortcut key you want to change.
  3. Click on Options. Excel displays the Macro Options dialog box. (See Figure 2.)

    4. Figure 2. The Macro Options dialog box.

  4. In the Shortcut Key area, indicate the key you want used with the Ctrl key as your shortcut. For instance, if you want Ctrl+Y to execute your macro, then enter a Y in the Shortcut Key area.
  5. Click on OK to close the Macro Options dialog box.
  6. Click on Cancel to close the Macro dialog box.

Note:

If you would like to know how to use the macros described on this page (or on any other page on the ExcelTips sites), I've prepared a special page that includes helpful information. Click here to open that special page in a new browser tab.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2714) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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