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Google Sheets on ChromeOS is, for most Chromebook users, the primary spreadsheet application. Microsoft Excel does not have a native ChromeOS app, the nearest equivalent is Excel for the web, which also runs in the browser. For Chromebook users doing serious spreadsheet work, Google Sheets is where it happens.
The ChromeOS shortcut set for Sheets uses Ctrl as its primary modifier, identical to Windows. If you've used Sheets on Windows, every shortcut transfers directly to ChromeOS.
Ctrl as primary modifier. The full Google Sheets shortcut set on ChromeOS uses Ctrl throughout, matching Windows. Data range navigation (Ctrl+Arrow), selection extensions (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow), paste values only (Ctrl+Shift+V), and all other Ctrl-based shortcuts apply here as on Windows.
Built-in shortcut list. Ctrl+/ opens Google Sheets' shortcut reference panel on ChromeOS, the same as on Windows. This is the fastest in-app shortcut lookup available.
The Search/Launcher key. Chromebooks replace the standard Caps Lock key with the Search/Launcher key. This key appears in ChromeOS system shortcuts but rarely in Google Sheets-specific shortcuts. Knowing it's in the Caps Lock position helps if you're looking for that key.
Chromebook keyboard and the top row. Chromebook keyboards use the top row for system controls (brightness, volume, refresh, fullscreen) rather than F-keys. Google Sheets on ChromeOS uses Ctrl-based shortcuts rather than F-key shortcuts, so this doesn't create gaps in spreadsheet shortcut coverage. The table above notes any cases where this matters.
Data range navigation. Ctrl+Arrow jumps to the last filled cell in any direction, one of the most valuable shortcuts for working with real data on any platform. This works the same on ChromeOS as on Windows.
Menu access. Alt activates menu navigation in Google Sheets on ChromeOS, giving keyboard access to all Sheets features, the same as on Windows.
The Google Sheets ChromeOS shortcut list is available as a printable PDF. The cell navigation and formula entry sections are the most useful for Chromebook-primary spreadsheet work.
Yes, for most Chromebook users. Microsoft Excel doesn't have a native ChromeOS app. Excel Online (Excel for the web) works in the Chrome browser on Chromebook, but Google Sheets is built specifically for the platform and is the natural choice for spreadsheet work on ChromeOS.
Yes. Both use Ctrl as the primary modifier and the same keyboard combinations throughout. The Chromebook keyboard layout (Search key instead of Caps Lock, no standard F-key row) affects ChromeOS system shortcuts but not Google Sheets-specific shortcuts, which are Ctrl-based.
Yes. Ctrl+/ opens the shortcut reference panel within Google Sheets, searchable and organized by category. This works the same as on Windows.
Need more than shortcuts?
Visit the Google Sheets app page for an overview and helpful links.
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