How to Indent Cells in Microsoft Excel

Helps make it easier to read

If you’re trying to figure out how to indent cells in Excel, you’ve come to the right place. Want to indent from the right instead of the left? Need to indent more than one level? Here are four different ways to indent in Microsoft Excel.

Use the Ribbon to Indent Cells

One of the easiest ways to indent cells is using the Alignment section ofthe ribbon in Excel. This allows you to indent from the left side of the cell as many levels as you like.

Use the Format Cells Feature to Indent Cells

If you prefer to indent a cell from the right side or want a larger level size, you can use the Format Cells dialog box.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Indent Cells

Do you like using Excel shortcuts to perform actions quickly? You can use a keyboard shortcut to indent text in a cell on both Windows and Mac.

Windows: Use thekey combinationAlt + H + 6to indent one level from the left orAlt + H + 5to decrease the indent.

Mac: Use the keyboard shortcutControl + Option + Tabto indent one level left from the left orControl + Option + Shift + Tabto decrease the indent.

On either platform, you can hold the modifier keys and continue pressing the last key to increase or decrease the indent levels. For example, on Mac, holdControl + Optionwhile you keep pressingTabto increase the indent one level at a time.

Use Spaces to Indent Cells

This final method for indenting on Excel is using your Space key. While not necessary if you want to indent all cell contents, it is required if you want to indent individual lines in the same cell. This is useful if you have separate lines oftext as list itemsor an outline.

As a refresher, you can insert line breaks in a cell using a keyboard shortcut. Place your cursor in front of the word for the new line. Then, on Windows, useAlt + Enter,or on Mac, useCommand + Return.

Tip: If you don’t see the Formula Bar, go to theViewtab and mark theFormula Barcheckbox.

Formatting in your Excel spreadsheet is a common action because you want to display your data in an easy-to-read way. If that means indenting a cell, we’ve shown you four simple ways to get it done.

Now that you know how to indent in Excel, why not look at how tofix a hanging indent in Microsoft Word.

Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio

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How to Indent Cells in Microsoft Excel#

Use the Ribbon to Indent Cells#

Use the Format Cells Feature to Indent Cells#

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Indent Cells#

Use Spaces to Indent Cells#

How to Indent Cells in Microsoft Excel

Use the Ribbon to Indent Cells

Use the Format Cells Feature to Indent Cells

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Indent Cells

Use Spaces to Indent Cells