Excel shortcuts in Google Sheets: your options

Switching from Excel to Google Sheets and need an add-in that gives you Excel shortcuts? Here is a menu of the options. We make SheetSpeed, so we've listed it first, but this page covers every option fairly.

Options menu

Option	Type	Price	Best for
SheetSpeed	Chrome extension	Free Core; Pro launching soon (planned $7.99/mo, $69/yr or $149 lifetime)	Excel shortcuts + trace precedents free; Pro (launching soon) goal seek, what-if, trace dependents; Slides shortcuts
SheetWhiz	Chrome extension + Workspace add-on	See listing	Trace precedents/dependents, goal seek, Macabacus-style format cycling, customizable shortcuts
ShortieCuts	Chrome extension	14-day trial, then $7.99/mo	233 Excel Alt sequences with Key Tips overlay, Slides + Docs
XLKeys	Chrome extension	Free tier + Pro	Alt chains, tracing, auto-color, workbook audits
Spex	Chrome extension	See site	On-screen KeyTips, Quick Access, dark mode
Google's built-in option	Built into Sheets	Free	Help → Keyboard shortcuts → Enable compatible spreadsheet shortcuts. Many Ctrl shortcuts; no Alt ribbon paths or tracing

Competitor facts are taken from each product's public website or Chrome Web Store page as of 14 Oct 2026. Listings change; check them before you choose. SheetSpeed is not affiliated with any of these products.

How to choose

Just a few Ctrl shortcuts: turn on Google's compatible spreadsheet shortcuts first. It's free.
Finance modeling (tracing, goal seek, what-if): SheetSpeed, SheetWhiz or XLKeys.
Maximum Alt-sequence coverage with an overlay: ShortieCuts or Spex.
Also need Docs shortcuts: ShortieCuts.

Detailed comparisons: vs ShortieCuts · vs Spex · vs XLKeys · vs SheetWhiz

Add SheetSpeed to Chrome (free)

FAQ

What add-in gives me Excel shortcuts in Google Sheets?

Popular options are SheetSpeed (free Core), SheetWhiz, ShortieCuts, XLKeys and Spex, all Chrome extensions. Google Sheets also has a built-in "Enable compatible spreadsheet shortcuts" toggle under Help → Keyboard shortcuts.

Is there a free option?

Yes. Google's compatible shortcuts toggle is free, and SheetSpeed Core is free on the Chrome Web Store.

Do these work on Mac?

Yes. Most use Option in place of Alt on macOS in Chrome.