To make text uppercase in Excel 2013, use the UPPER function. In an empty column, type =UPPER(A2), press Enter, and drag the fill handle down to copy the formula to the other rows. To replace the original text, copy the new column, then right-click the original column and choose Paste Values. Excel doesn’t have a Change Case button like Word, so a formula or Flash Fill is the way to do it.
These steps work in every version from Excel 2013 to Excel for Microsoft 365. Below you’ll also learn how to use Flash Fill, convert text to lowercase or proper case, and change case without keeping a helper column.
How to change text to uppercase with UPPER
- Click the first cell in an empty column next to your data, such as B2.
- Type =UPPER(A2), replacing A2 with the first cell of text, and press Enter.
- Click the cell again, then double-click the small square in its bottom-right corner (the fill handle) to copy the formula down the column.
How to replace the original text
The new column depends on the original, so deleting the original breaks it. To keep only the uppercase version:
- Select the cells with the UPPER formulas and press Ctrl + C.
- Right-click the first cell of the original data and choose Paste Values (the clipboard icon with 123) under Paste Options.
- Delete the helper column.
How to use Flash Fill
Flash Fill fills in a pattern for you, no formula needed.
- In the cell next to the first entry, type the text the way you want it, like JORDAN LEE.
- Click the cell below and press Ctrl + E, or go to Data > Flash Fill.
Excel fills the rest of the column. Flash Fill doesn’t update if the original text changes, so use UPPER when your data changes often.
Other case functions
| Function | Example input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| =UPPER(A2) | jordan lee | JORDAN LEE |
| =LOWER(A2) | Jordan LEE | jordan lee |
| =PROPER(A2) | jordan lee | Jordan Lee |
PROPER capitalizes the first letter of every word, which can give odd results for names like “McDonald” or “O’Brien.” Check them afterward.
Combine UPPER with other functions
- Uppercase and remove extra spaces: =UPPER(TRIM(A2))
- Capitalize only the first letter of a cell: =UPPER(LEFT(A2,1))&LOWER(MID(A2,2,LEN(A2)))
- Join two columns in uppercase: =UPPER(A2&” “&B2)
Can I type in all caps automatically?
Excel doesn’t have a setting to force uppercase as you type. You can press Caps Lock, or use Data > Data Validation with a custom formula like =EXACT(A2,UPPER(A2)) to reject entries that aren’t all caps.
To change the font every workbook starts with, read how to change the default font in Excel.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a shortcut for uppercase in Excel?
No. Shift + F3 changes case in Word and PowerPoint, but not in Excel.
Does UPPER change numbers?
No. Numbers and symbols stay the same. Only letters change.
Does this work in Google Sheets?
Yes. UPPER, LOWER, and PROPER work the same way in Google Sheets.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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