Excel Keyboard Shortcuts You Need To Know

Key Takeaway:

  • Excel keyboard shortcuts can greatly improve your productivity, especially when working with large amounts of data. Essential shortcuts include cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, and select all, which make everyday tasks faster and easier.
  • Formatting shortcuts like applying bold, italics, underlining, aligning text horizontally, and changing font size quickly can make your spreadsheets look more professional and improve readability.
  • Fast navigation shortcuts like moving between worksheets with ease, swiftly moving between cells, and moving to the start or end of a range can save you valuable time when working with complex spreadsheets.
  • Time-saving data entry shortcuts like inserting rows and columns like a pro, filling cells down or across, and automating dates with efficiency can help you input data more quickly and accurately.
  • Miscellaneous Excel keyboard shortcuts like inserting hyperlinks instantly, inputting formulas effortlessly, and using built-in functions efficiently can help you become a power user and increase your Excel skills.

Does working with Excel feel like a struggle? Unlock its powerful features with the latest keyboard shortcuts. You’ll find that navigating through your worksheets has never been easier.

Essential Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

Excel fans, mastering keyboard shortcuts is key to becoming more productive and efficient. Let’s check out the must-know Excel keyboard shortcuts!

First, we’ll have a look at Cut, Copy and Paste Commands. Learn some shortcuts to speed up data entry and working with data sets. Then, it’s time for Undo and Redo Actions. Easily revert your steps and make fewer mistakes. Finally, Select All Cells. Get an overview of how to mark entire rows, columns or spreadsheets.

Cut, Copy, and Paste Commands

To use Cut, Copy, and Paste commands in Excel, select the cell or range of cells first. Then press: Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, or Ctrl + V. You can also use modifier keys like Shift or Alt with these shortcuts for more options.

For example, Ctrl + Shift + C will copy a formula without changing cell references.

Cut and copied data is stored temporarily in the Clipboard Task Pane. You can access this by pressing Ctrl + C twice.

Using these commands saves time when working with large spreadsheets. You can quickly move or duplicate information.

Pro Tip: Hold down the Ctrl key while dragging to move instead of copying.

Undo and Redo Actions are also available in Excel. Use keystrokes for each action.

Undo and Redo Actions

Now that you know how to use Undo and Redo Actions in Excel, let’s go deeper. The ‘Undo‘ function can be used to remove any formatting errors such as font size, color selection, or borders. Then, with ‘Redo Action‘, you can go back to the changes you removed with ‘Undo’. This is great for when making big edits to spreadsheets that need revisions.

It’s essential for those who use Microsoft Office software often to learn the keyboard shortcuts. Not only do they save time, but they also make you more efficient in Excel. With so many people using computers and spreadsheets every day, it’s even more important to learn and perfect these shortcuts!

Now let’s learn about ‘Select All Cells‘ in Excel, which makes bulk data selection a breeze!

Select All Cells

“Select All Cells” is a must-know Excel keyboard shortcut. It lets users quickly select all cells at once, simplifying data manipulation. To use this command, remember four key points.

  1. Press “ctrl+A” to select all cells in the worksheet.
  2. Press “ctrl+shift+*” to select all cells with data.
  3. Press “ctrl+” to select the row of active cell.
  4. Press “Shift+Ctrl+=” to select the column of active cell.

Using this shortcut is helpful for large or complex spreadsheets. It’s faster than going through each cell one by one, or dragging from top-to-bottom or left-to-right. Here are two more tips:

  1. Always start in the correct workbook before selecting all cells.
  2. Save your workbook before applying Select All.

Next, we will explore “Formatting Shortcuts for Excel”.

Formatting Shortcuts for Excel

Do you love spreadsheets? Excel users understand how laborious it can be to format various parts of a sheet. As a spreadsheet enthusiast, I’ve learnt the significance of keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts help save time and boost productivity.

In this guide, I’m gonna introduce you to the formatting shortcuts in Excel. You can use them to bold, italicize and underline text, align it horizontally, and also adjust the font size quickly. With these simple formatting shortcuts, you can become a spreadsheet pro in just a few keystrokes.

Apply Bold, Italics, and Underlining

Ctrl+B is the shortcut for applying bold formatting. To italicize text, use Ctrl+I. And to underline, press Ctrl+U. You can press these shortcuts again to remove the formatting.

At once, you can use these shortcuts on individual or groups of cells. You can also combine them with other formatting tools to make your Excel sheets look unique.

Learning shortcuts like this might seem intimidating, but don’t be discouraged. Taking the time to learn these shortcuts will save you time in the future. Don’t miss out!

Align Text Horizontally is another Excel shortcut. This allows you to align text in a cell to the left, center or right-hand side.

Align Text Horizontally

Aligning text horizontally is an important part of using Microsoft Excel. This feature can save time and effort in various situations. Here are three points to keep in mind:

  • Left, center, or right side of the cell can be aligned.
  • CTRL + L aligns content to left, CTRL + E to center, and CTRL + R to right.
  • The Home tab’s alignment group under ‘Format Cells‘ can also be used.

Aligning text horizontally helps keep data organized and makes it easier to read. It also gives tables and documents a neat look.

Pro Tip: To align text horizontally across multiple cells simultaneously, select them, then choose Left Align Text, Center Text, or Right Align Text.

Change Font Size Quickly:

You don’t need to use menus or format options every time you want to make a change. Just select the text and use one of these two shortcuts:

  • To increase font size: Press CTRL + Shift + Up arrow.
  • To decrease font size: Press CTRL + Shift + Down arrow.

These shortcuts can be helpful when you’re short on time and need to make some modifications.

Knowing keyboard shortcuts for formatting in Microsoft Excel is important. Next, let’s look at borders!

Change the Font Size Quickly

Changing the Font Size Quickly is an awesome time-saver for Excel users. It lets you adjust the size of text in cell(s), without manually changing each font size.

Here are 6 easy steps to do it:

  1. Select the cell(s) whose content you want to adjust.
  2. Hold down the “Ctrl” and “Shift” keys on your keyboard.
  3. Press either “<” or “>”, to decrease or increase the font size respectively.
  4. The font size will change with each key press.
  5. Continue pressing either “<” or “>” until you reach your desired font size.
  6. Release all three keys (Ctrl, Shift and >/<) and see the results.

This method is great for uniform adjustments, and saves time compared to manual adjustments. Also, it works with other formatting options like italicizing or underlining text.

Combined with other shortcuts, such as copying/pasting and inserting tables/charts/graphs, it boosts productivity. In fact, 81% of finance teams use Excel for financial reporting, according to a 2019 survey by EY Global.

Now you know how to Change Font Size Quickly in Excel. Let’s explore Fast Navigation Shortcuts to take productivity to the next level!

Fast Navigation Shortcuts

As an avid user of Microsoft Excel, I often find myself taking a lot of time navigating worksheets and cells. Using keyboard shortcuts can save time and reduce wrist strain! I’m going to share some speedy navigation shortcuts. Firstly, let’s see how you can move between worksheets quickly using a few keystrokes. Secondly, learn how to move between adjacent cells without repetitive clicks. Finally, find out how to quickly jump to the start or end of a range. Let’s explore the world of Excel keyboard shortcuts together!

Move between Worksheets with Ease

Moving between worksheets in Excel can be daunting. Especially if you’re dealing with a massive file! Fear not! There are shortcuts to help you move with ease.

  • Press and hold the Ctrl key.
  • While holding the Ctrl key, press either the Page Up or Page Down button. This will navigate through the worksheets in ascending or descending order.

Quickly jump to a specific worksheet with the Ctrl + Tab shortcut. This will switch between your current and previous worksheet.

Switching between worksheets is a breeze with these shortcuts. Plus it’s a great way to save time updating large files!

Manually scrolling back and forth to switch between worksheets can be tiresome and time-consuming. But with this shortcut, it’s fast and easy to navigate from one worksheet to another.

Also useful when working on massive data sets is the ability to swiftly move between cells.

Swiftly Move between Cells

Swiftly moving between cells in Excel increases productivity and efficiency. With a few simple keyboard shortcuts, you can save time. Know these tricks:

  • Press Tab to move one cell right.
  • Press Shift + Tab to move one cell left.
  • Use arrow keys to navigate up, down, left and right.
  • Hold Ctrl with an arrow key to skip to the last occupied cell in that direction.

Using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse helps you work faster. You don’t have to keep switching between them. It saves time.

Did you know? People who use keyboard shortcuts complete tasks faster than those who don’t. Microsoft found that it can save up to 8 days per year!

Let’s learn how to move to start or end of a range. Use freezing panes or table formatting. Or, hold down Ctrl key and certain other keys. Mastering this will make you an Excel expert and help you finish tasks faster.

Move to the Start or End of a Range

Navigating large ranges in Excel can be challenging. But, by following these 5 simple steps, you can quickly move to the start or end of a range!

  1. Select the cell you want to begin your selection from.
  2. Press SHIFT+F8 to activate Add mode.
  3. Use the arrow keys to move towards the direction you want to select cells.
  4. Once you reach the last cell, press SHIFT+F8 again to deactivate Add mode.
  5. Press ESC to go back to your original cell.

Shortcuts like this come in handy when you want to save time. Get familiar with it and soon you’ll be able to swiftly move around large ranges!

Stay tuned for more shortcuts that will help speed up data entry in Excel!

Time-Saving Data Entry Shortcuts

Data entry is a must for Excel. It can be boring and take forever when done by hand. Here’s a guide to save you time! We’ll look at three topics that help make data entry easier:

  1. Adding rows and columns
  2. Filling cells up or down
  3. Automating dates in Excel

Get ready to save minutes on data entry and make your workflow simpler!

Insert Rows and Columns like a Pro

Do you want to insert rows and columns like a pro? Here are 6 steps to do it quickly!

  1. Highlight the row or column where you want to add the new information.
  2. Click on the number or letter on the side of your screen that represents that specific row or column.
  3. Right-click on the highlighted area and click “Insert.” New row or column should appear and existing rows or columns will shift.
  4. You can also insert a row by pressing “Ctrl” + “+” and inserting a column by pressing “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “+”.
  5. To insert multiple rows, select them with your mouse and right-click and choose “Insert”.
  6. Navigate through your worksheet with the keyboard shortcut: “Ctrl” + arrow key (up, down, left, or right).

Practice these time-saving techniques to work faster and more efficiently. Let’s discuss another tip: Fill Cells Down or Across.

Fill Cells Down or Across

To use this function, here’s what to do:

  1. Choose the cells to copy.
  2. Click on the cell containing the info you wish to fill down/across.
  3. Press Ctrl + D to fill down, or Ctrl + R to fill across.
  4. The copied information will now be in the chosen cells.
  5. Hold down the Ctrl key and drag/drop cell(s) down/sideways for quick replication.

Copy formulas across rows/columns with Fill Cells Down/Across. You can also fill down each employee’s name/department quickly in a spreadsheet with employee contact details.

Pro Tip: Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter after Fill Cells Down, to prevent cell references from being auto-applied by Excel.

Onward to ‘Automate Dates with Efficiency’, to explore how Excel can auto-input dates into your spreadsheets!

Automate Dates with Efficiency

Speed up data entry in Excel spreadsheets by automating dates with keyboard shortcuts! Press Ctrl + ; (semi-colon) for the current date, Ctrl + Shift + ; (semi-colon) for the current time, or Ctrl + : (colon) for both.

To change the format of dates, select the cell or range of cells and press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box. Choose from several predefined formats or create a custom one. Additionally, use formulas such as =A1+7 to add or subtract days.

For a streamlined workflow and increased productivity, create custom shortcuts and mnemonic devices for complex commands. Practice frequently-used shortcut keys until they become second nature. Finally, customize toolbars and ribbons to include your favorite commands and functions. Now that’s an efficient way to work in Microsoft Excel!

Miscellaneous Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

I’m a big fan of Microsoft Excel. I know the value of using keyboard shortcuts to become more efficient. Let’s look at some lesser-known shortcuts:

  1. You can insert hyperlinks quickly without having to search through the ribbon.
  2. Use shortcuts to input formulas quickly.
  3. Use built-in functions for a powerful spreadsheet.

Afterwards, you’ll be sure to amaze your peers with your Excel skills!

Insert Hyperlinks Instantly

Press Ctrl + K to bring up the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, where you can input your URL, email address or link to another document. You can also highlight the cell(s) you want to add the hyperlink to, and type “Ctrl + K” on your keyboard.

To make it simpler, type URLs directly into a cell by beginning with http:// or www. Or, if using a URL-friendly website like Google or YouTube, type in its domain name into the cell and hit enter.

Moreover, you can use the search function in Excel’s toolbar. Select a cell, type a keyword in the search bar (next to formula bar), then click Enter. The related search results will be displayed. Select the desired URL from there.

You can also copy-paste the hyperlink text from its placeholders (in emails or web pages) into an Excel sheet. Highlight it and press Ctrl + K together. Lastly, you can hold down the “CTRL” key while clicking on any link within an Excel worksheet to follow it immediately.

Input Formulas Effortlessly

Text: Press “equals” (=) to insert a formula. Copy-paste using “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V”, or use arrow keys to expand/shrink a cell selection while entering a formula. Cycle through relative/absolute references with “F4”.

These shortcuts make entering formulas fast, accurate and effortless. Typing complex functions in Excel is no longer tedious. Just a few buttons on your keyboard and you can breeze through lengthiest formulas.

Kevin Purdy of Lifehacker expresses it well – Investing time initially in keyboard short-cuts pays off in spades eventually as efficiency increases overtime.

Use Built-in Functions Efficiently

Maximizing built-in Excel functions is essential. Here are 4 tips to help you:

  1. Identify the right function – Excel has over 400 functions. Choose one that suits your needs from the toolbar.
  2. Use shortcut keys – Assign a key to the frequently used functions under ‘File’, ‘Options’, ‘Customize Ribbon’.
  3. Learn about the arguments needed by a function. Understand what arguments it requires and how they’re used.
  4. Get familiar with commonly-used functions like SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MAX and MIN.

For greater proficiency, also:

  1. Structure your data well – make sure each column contains one type of data.
  2. Double check your input variables – convert strings and dates into numerical values.
  3. Use range names instead of cell references – this makes it easier to identify cells in formulas.
  4. Utilize Evaluate Formula (Formulas > Evaluate Formula) for step-by-step formula help.

Five Facts About Excel Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know:

  • ✅ Excel has over 200 keyboard shortcuts to simplify your workflow. (Source: Ablebits)
  • ✅ Keyboard shortcuts can save you up to 8 hours a week in productivity time. (Source: Microsoft)
  • ✅ Some commonly used Excel keyboard shortcuts include Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), and Ctrl+S (save). (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ You can create your own custom keyboard shortcuts in Excel to fit your specific needs. (Source: ExcelRocketship)
  • ✅ Learning keyboard shortcuts can improve your accuracy and efficiency in Excel. (Source: Udemy)

FAQs about Excel Keyboard Shortcuts You Need To Know

What are some essential Excel keyboard shortcuts that I should know?

Some essential Excel keyboard shortcuts include:

  • Ctrl + C to copy selected cells
  • Ctrl + V to paste copied cells
  • Ctrl + X to cut selected cells
  • Ctrl + Z to undo the last action
  • Ctrl + Y to redo the last action
  • Ctrl + S to save your Excel file

How can I view all available Excel keyboard shortcuts?

You can view all available Excel keyboard shortcuts by pressing the Alt key on your keyboard. This will display shortcut keys on the ribbon of different tabs. You can also press Ctrl + / to visualize a list of all keyboard shortcuts.

How can I create my own keyboard shortcuts in Excel?

To create your own keyboard shortcuts in Excel, use the following steps:

  1. Click on the File tab, then click on Options.
  2. Select Customization from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on the Customize Ribbon and then Keyboard Shortcuts button.
  4. Click on the command you want to create a keyboard shortcut for, then press the keys you want to use as the shortcut.
  5. Click on Assign to assign the new shortcut.

Can I undo a deleted keyboard shortcut in Excel?

Yes, you can undo a deleted keyboard shortcut in Excel by using the Customize Keyboard dialog box as follows:

  1. Click on the File tab, then click on Options.
  2. Select Customization from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on the Customize Ribbon and then Keyboard Shortcuts button.
  4. Find the command you accidentally deleted a shortcut for, and click on it to highlight it.
  5. Click on the Reset All button, then click on Yes to confirm.

What are the benefits of memorizing Excel keyboard shortcuts?

Memorizing Excel keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently in Excel. You can save time by not having to switch back and forth between your mouse and keyboard. Also, using keyboard shortcuts is less physically demanding and can help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

How can I remember Excel keyboard shortcuts easily?

One way to remember Excel keyboard shortcuts easily is to practice using them frequently. You can also create a cheat sheet of commonly used shortcuts and reference it until you memorize them. Another method is to use mnemonics to associate the key combinations with specific commands.