How to Add a Bullet Point in Excel (Windows, Mac, Online & Shortcuts)

Excel doesn’t have a big “bullet list” button like Word—but that doesn’t mean you can’t use bullet points. Whether you’re creating clean reports, task lists, or notes inside cells, there are multiple easy ways to add bullet points in Excel on Windows, Mac, and Excel Online.

This guide shows every working method, including keyboard shortcuts, text boxes, and mobile-friendly options.

How to Add a Bullet Point in Excel (Quick Answer)

Featured Snippet Answer 👇

• Click the cell
• Insert a bullet symbol (•)
• Type your text
• Press Alt + Enter (Windows) or Control + Option + Return (Mac) for a new line

That’s it. Now let’s break down all methods step by step.

Method 1: How to Add a Bullet Point in Excel Using Keyboard Shortcut

Windows Shortcut

• Click inside the cell
• Hold Alt and type 7 or 0149 on the numeric keypad
• Release Alt → Bullet appears (•)

✔ Best option if you’re searching for how to add a bullet point in Excel shortcut

Mac Shortcut

• Click the cell
• Press Option + 8
• Bullet symbol appears instantly

✔ This is the fastest way to add a bullet point in Excel on Mac

Method 2: Add Bullet Points Using Insert Symbol (Beginner Friendly)

1. Select the cell
2. Click Insert → Symbol
3. Choose Bullet (•)
4. Click Insert

This works on:

• Windows
• Mac
• Older Excel versions

Method 3: How to Add a Bullet Point in Excel Text Box

If you want formatted bullet lists, a text box is the best choice.

Steps:

1. Go to Insert → Text Box
2. Draw the text box
3. Right-click → Bullets
4. Start typing

✔ Ideal for dashboards and presentations
✔ Perfect if you’re searching how to add a bullet point in Excel text box

Method 4: How to Add Multiple Bullet Points in One Cell

1. Insert first bullet (•)
2. Type text
3. Press Alt + Enter (Windows) or Control + Option + Return (Mac)
4. Add the next bullet

This creates clean, multi-line bullet lists inside a single Excel cell.

Method 5: How to Add a Bullet Point in Excel Online

Excel Online doesn’t support all shortcuts—but this still works.

Steps:

1. Copy a bullet symbol (•)
2. Paste it into the cell
3. Type your text

✔ Best method for how to add a bullet point in Excel online

Method 6: Using CHAR Formula for Bullet Points

You can also use formulas.

=CHAR(149)&" Task item"

⚠ Font-dependent (may not display correctly in all fonts)

Common Use Cases for Bullet Points in Excel

• Task lists
• Notes inside cells
• Dashboards
• Reports
• Checklists (combine with checkboxes)

👉 Related guide: How to Open an Excel File in Google Sheets

Bullet Points Not Showing Correctly? Try This

• Change font to Calibri or Arial
• Increase column width
• Enable Wrap Text
• Check system keyboard layout

If Excel feels slow or laggy, performance can matter too:
👉 How to Check CPU Temp in Windows 11

Bonus Tip: Avoid Formula Errors While Formatting

When adding bullets near formulas, double-check references. Formatting changes can sometimes expose hidden errors.

Helpful read:
👉 How to Find a Circular Reference in Excel

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to add a bullet point in Excel using:

• Keyboard shortcuts
• Symbols
• Text boxes
• Excel Online methods

No matter if you’re on Windows, Mac, or the web, there’s a method that works instantly.

Short FAQ Snippets (AI Overview Friendly)

Does Excel have a bullet list feature?

No, but you can manually insert bullet symbols using shortcuts or symbols.

What is the shortcut for bullet points in Excel?

On Windows, use Alt + 7 or Alt + 0149. On Mac, use Option + 8.

Can I add bullet points in Excel Online?

Yes, by copying and pasting a bullet symbol.

Can I add bullets inside one Excel cell?

Yes, use Alt + Enter (Windows) or Control + Option + Return (Mac) for multiple lines.