When you enter times in Excel, you may want to display them in a consistent format. Instead of opening the Format Cells dialog box, you can use a keyboard shortcut to apply the default time format quickly.
The Ctrl + Shift + @ shortcut applies a time format to the selected cells.
What Does Ctrl + Shift + @ Do in Excel?
The Ctrl + Shift + @ keyboard shortcut applies Excel’s default time format to the selected cells. The time is usually displayed in a format such as `9:30 AM` or `2:45 PM`.
This shortcut changes how a time is displayed. It does not enter the current time or change the underlying time value.
How to Apply Time Format Using Ctrl + Shift + @?
Follow these steps to apply the time format in Excel.
1. Select the cell or range of cells containing the times.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + @.
3. Excel applies the default time format to the selected cells.
You can select multiple cells to format several times at once.
Example: Apply Time Format in Excel
Suppose you have entered times in column A. Excel may display them as decimal numbers if the cells are formatted as General.
Before applying the shortcut:
| Cell | Time |
| A1 | 0.395833 |
| A2 | 0.5 |
| A3 | 0.604167 |
| A4 | 0.645833667 |
These decimal values represent times in Excel. The decimal part of a day represents the time elapsed since midnight.
Select the range A2:A4 and press Ctrl + Shift + @.
After applying the shortcut:
| Cell | Time |
| A1 | 09:30 |
| A2 | 12:00 |
| A3 | 14:30 |
| A4 | 15:30 |
Excel displays the underlying time values in a readable time format.
How to Use Ctrl + Shift + @ on the Keyboard?
On a standard US keyboard, the `@` symbol is entered using Shift + 2.
To apply the shortcut:
1. Press and hold Ctrl.
2. Press and hold Shift.
3. Press the 2 key on the top number row.
Note: The key combination for entering `@` can vary by keyboard layout. On some keyboards, the symbol may be located on a different key.
Can You Apply Time Format Without a Keyboard Shortcut?
Yes. You can apply a time format using the Excel Ribbon.
1. Select the cells containing the times.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. In the Number group, open the Number Format dropdown.
4. Select Time.
You can also press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box, select the Time category, and choose a time format from the available options.
What Is the Difference Between Ctrl + Shift + @ and Ctrl + Shift + ;?
These shortcuts perform different actions when working with time in Excel.
| Shortcut | Action |
| Ctrl + Shift + @ | Applies a time format to selected cells |
| Ctrl + Shift + ; | Enters the current time into the active cell |
For example, use Ctrl + Shift + @ to change how an existing time is displayed. Use Ctrl + Shift + ; when you want to enter the current time as a fixed value.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does Ctrl + Shift + @ enter the current time?
No. It formats the selected cells to display time values. To enter the current time as a fixed value, press Ctrl + Shift + ;.
2. Can I apply this shortcut to multiple cells?
Yes. Select the range containing the times and press Ctrl + Shift + @. Excel applies the time format to the selected cells.
3. How do I press Ctrl + Shift + @ on a keyboard?
On a standard US keyboard, press and hold Ctrl and Shift, then press the 2 key on the top number row. Keyboard layouts may differ, so the key for entering `@` can vary.
4. Why does Excel display a decimal number instead of a time?
Excel stores times as fractions of a day. For example, 0.5 represents 12:00 PM. If a cell is formatted as General or Number, Excel may display the decimal value instead of a time. Applying a time format changes how the value appears.
5. What if I see ##### after applying the time format?
The column may be too narrow to display the time. Widen the column by dragging its right boundary or double-clicking that boundary to AutoFit the column width.
6. Can I change the time format after using Ctrl + Shift + @?
Yes. Select the cells, press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box, and choose the time format you want under the Time category.
Final Thoughts:
The Ctrl + Shift + @ shortcut helps you apply a time format quickly without opening the Format Cells dialog box. Select the cells containing valid time values and use the shortcut to display them in a readable format.
For more useful shortcuts, visit our Excel Keyboard Shortcuts guide.
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