Office Settings & Configuration

Keyboard Shortcuts to Switch Worksheets in Excel for the Web

Elise Williams Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to switch between worksheets in Excel for the web using keyboard shortcuts, but the standard desktop commands switch browser tabs instead.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Switch Worksheets in Excel for the Web

Product: Excel for the Web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating between different sheets within an online Excel workbook using the keyboard.
Observed behavior: Pressing Ctrl+Page Up or Ctrl+Page Down switches Google Chrome browser tabs rather than navigating between the Excel worksheets.

Before you start

Ensure your browser window containing Excel for the web is active and that your cursor is clicked inside the spreadsheet grid so the keyboard commands are properly recognized.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Web-Specific Excel Shortcuts

Use the modified keyboard shortcuts designed specifically for Excel for the web to bypass browser tab conflicts.

Because web browsers utilize standard shortcuts for their own navigation, Excel for the web introduces modified shortcuts. By adding the Alt key, you can successfully navigate your workbook without triggering the browser's tab-switching behavior.

Activate the spreadsheet

Click anywhere inside a cell within your active Excel for the web spreadsheet.

Move to the next worksheet

Press the Ctrl + Alt + Page Down keys simultaneously to switch to the worksheet on the right.

Move to the previous worksheet

Press the Ctrl + Alt + Page Up keys simultaneously to switch to the worksheet on the left.

Keyboard Layout Check: Depending on your laptop or keyboard layout, you may also need to hold down the 'Fn' key to activate the Page Up or Page Down functions.

Enjoy Standard Keyboard Shortcuts with WPS Spreadsheet

If you prefer the classic desktop Excel shortcuts without worrying about browser conflicts, use WPS Spreadsheet. It offers a fully-featured desktop experience where standard shortcuts work exactly as expected.

1. Open your file in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Spreadsheet desktop app and open your existing .xlsx workbook.
2. Switch to the next sheet: Press Ctrl + Page Down to instantly jump to the next worksheet in your file.
3. Switch to the previous sheet: Press Ctrl + Page Up to quickly return to the previous worksheet.
4. Manage sheets effortlessly: Navigate back and forth seamlessly without any interference from web browser hotkeys.

Native support for classic Ctrl+Page Up/Down shortcutsFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsLightweight desktop application with no browser conflictsFree to use with a familiar tabbed interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do standard Excel shortcuts not work in Excel for the web?

Web browsers like Google Chrome reserve certain keyboard shortcuts (such as Ctrl + Page Up/Down) for their own functions, like switching open browser tabs. Excel for the web requires a modified shortcut using the Alt key to bypass this default browser behavior.

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Excel for the web?

Currently, Excel for the web does not allow users to natively remap or customize keyboard shortcuts. You must use the predefined web-specific shortcuts provided by the platform.

What are the sheet switching shortcuts for Mac users in Excel for the web?

If you are using a Mac, you can press Option + Command + Page Down to move to the next sheet, and Option + Command + Page Up to move to the previous sheet in Excel for the web.

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