How to Delete Characters Inside a Cell Using the Backspace Key

The Backspace key in Excel helps you delete text one character at a time—but only when you’re in edit mode, meaning you’re actively editing the content inside a cell.

Shortcut Key

Backspace – Deletes one character to the left of the cursor

What Happens When You Press BACKSPACE?

• Deletes one character at a time.
• Works only inside the cell (after pressing `F2` or double-clicking the cell).
• Useful for editing text or formulas manually.

Example:

Cell A1 contains:

2025 Sales

To remove characters:

1. Double-click cell A1 or press `F2`

2. Press `Backspace` → becomes `2025 Sale`

3. Press again → becomes `2025 Sal`

   … and so on

When to Use Backspace:

• To fix typos
• To remove part of a formula or word
• When you want to edit without clearing the whole cell

Important Note:

If you press Backspace while the entire cell is selected (and not in edit mode), the entire content of the cell will be deleted.