What the default font is and why you might change it
When you open a blank Excel spreadsheet, every cell uses the same font unless you change it — by default, that is Calibri 11-point. The default font is the typeface and size Excel applies automatically to any new workbook you create. If you work with a font other than Calibri — perhaps your company uses Arial, or you need a monospace font for data entry — you can change what Excel starts with instead of reformatting every sheet by hand.
Changing the default font saves time if you create many spreadsheets. It also ensures consistency: every new file you open will match your preference without extra steps. The change applies only to new workbooks you create after the change; it does not alter spreadsheets you have already saved.
Key Takeaways
- Excel's default font is Calibri 11-point, and you change it through the Options menu, not through the ribbon toolbar.
- The change applies only to new workbooks created after you make the adjustment, not to files already open or saved.
- You can choose any font installed on your computer, and you can set both the typeface and the point size.
- If you want a specific font for only some spreadsheets, you can save a blank template with your preferred font and open that instead of a blank workbook.
How to change the default font in Excel on Windows
Open Excel and go to File in the top left corner. Click Options at the bottom of the menu. In the Options window, select General from the list on the left side.
Look for the section labeled When creating new workbooks. You will see a dropdown that says Use this as the default font. Click the dropdown and scroll to find the font you want. Below it is a box for the font size — enter the point size you prefer, usually between 10 and 14. Click OK at the bottom right to save your changes.
The next time you create a new workbook, it will use your chosen font. Existing files remain unchanged.
How to change the default font in Excel on Mac
Open Excel and click Excel in the menu bar at the very top of the screen. Select Preferences from the dropdown. In the Preferences window, find and click General.
Under the section for default fonts, you will see dropdowns for the font name and size. Click the font dropdown and choose the typeface you want. Set the point size in the box next to it. Close the Preferences window by clicking the red circle in the top left corner.
New workbooks you create will now open with your selected font. Files you have already saved will not change.
Using a template if you need different defaults for different projects
If you work on different types of projects that need different fonts — for instance, financial reports in one font and data logs in another — creating a template is faster than changing your default each time. A template is a blank spreadsheet you save with your preferred formatting, and you can open it whenever you need that setup.
Format a blank workbook with the font, colors, and column widths you want. Go to File and click Save As. In the Save As window, change the file type dropdown from "Excel Workbook" to "Excel Template" (on Mac, it says "Excel Template (.xltx)"). Give it a clear name like "Financial Report Template" and save it. When you need that format, go to File > New and search for your template by name — it will open as a new workbook with all your settings already in place.
What happens if you change your mind
You can change the default font back at any time by returning to File > Options > General (or Excel > Preferences > General on Mac) and selecting a different font. The change takes effect only for workbooks you create after the adjustment.
If you want to explore a different font to a spreadsheet you have already created, you do not need to change the default. Instead, select all cells by clicking the box in the top left corner where the row numbers and column letters meet, then choose your font from the Home tab in the ribbon. This changes only that file, not your default setting.
Common fonts and when to use them
Calibri is the Excel default because it is clean and readable on screen. Arial is a common alternative if your workplace uses it across all documents. Times New Roman works well for reports that will be printed. Courier New or Consolas are monospace fonts — each letter takes the same width — and are useful if you work with codes or data that needs to line up in columns.
The font you choose should be installed on your computer. If you select a font and then open that file on another computer that does not have it, Excel will substitute a different font automatically, which may change how your data looks. For shared files, stick to fonts that come with Windows or Mac by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the default font affect files I have already created?
No. The default font change applies only to new workbooks you create after making the change. Any spreadsheet you have already saved keeps its original formatting. If you want to change the font in an existing file, select all cells and choose a new font from the Home tab.
Can I set a different default font for different workbooks?
Not through the default setting — that applies to all new workbooks. Instead, create a template for each type of project. Save a blank workbook with your preferred font as a template, then open that template whenever you need that format. Templates let you have multiple defaults for different purposes.
What if the font I want does not appear in the dropdown?
The dropdown shows only fonts installed on your computer. If you need a font that is not there, you must install it first through your operating system. On Windows, read the font file and right-click it to install. On Mac, use Font Book to add it. Once installed, it will appear in Excel's font list.
Will my coworkers see the same font if I send them my spreadsheet?
They will see your chosen font only if they have it installed on their computer. If they do not, Excel substitutes a different font, which may change how the spreadsheet looks. For files shared across a team, use fonts that come standard with Windows and Mac, like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Can I change the default font size without changing the typeface?
Yes. In the default font settings, you can change the point size while keeping the same font name. Go to File > Options > General and adjust only the size box, leaving the font name as is.