170+ Shortcut Keys In Excel To Save Time

Excel shortcuts are key combinations that help users work more efficiently in spreadsheets.

Shivangi Vatsal

0 min read

170+ Shortcut Keys In Excel To Save Time

0 min read

Table of content:

Basic Navigation Shortcuts
Data Selection Shortcuts
Copy, Paste, and Formatting Shortcuts
Formula Shortcuts
Workbook and Worksheet Management Shortcuts
Cell Formatting Shortcuts
Ribbon and Menu Shortcuts
Macros and Custom Shortcuts
Shortcuts for Windows
Function Shortcuts
Chart Shortcuts
Filtering and Sorting Shortcuts
Shortcut keys for Pivot Tables
Frequently Asked Questions

Excel is a powerful tool used for data management, analysis, and visualization. This article highlights over 170 shortcut keys in Excel, categorized for easy navigation. Whether you are an Excel expert or a newcomer, these keyboard shortcuts will enhance your efficiency and productivity.

1. Basic Navigation Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Arrow Keys	Move one cell in the direction of the arrow key
Ctrl + Arrow Keys	Jump to the edge of the data region
Page Up / Page Down	Move one screen up/down
Alt + Page Up / Page Down	Move one screen left/right
Home	Move to the beginning of a row
Ctrl + Home	Move to the beginning of the worksheet
Ctrl + End	Move to the last cell with content
Tab	Move to the next cell in the row
Shift + Tab	Move to the previous cell in the row
Ctrl + G	Go to a specific cell

2. Data Selection Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Ctrl + A	Select all cells in the worksheet
Shift + Arrow Keys	Select cells one at a time
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys	Select a range of cells until the edge of the data region
Ctrl + Space	Select an entire column
Shift + Space	Select an entire row
Ctrl + Shift + Space	Select the entire worksheet
Ctrl + Shift + L	Toggle filters on and off
Ctrl + D	Fill down from the cell above
Ctrl + R	Fill right from the cell to the left

3. Excel Copy, Paste, and Formatting Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Ctrl + C	Copy selected cells
Ctrl + X	Cut selected cells
Ctrl + V	Paste copied/cut cells
Ctrl + Z	Undo an action
Ctrl + Y	Redo an action
Ctrl + F	Open the Find dialog box
Ctrl + H	Open the Replace dialog box
Ctrl + K	Insert a hyperlink
Ctrl + 1	Open the Format Cells dialog box
Ctrl + T	Create a table

4. Excel Formula Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
=	Start a formula
F2	Edit the active cell
Ctrl + `	Toggle between displaying formulas and values
Alt + =	AutoSum selected cells
Ctrl + Shift + Enter	Create an array formula
F4	Repeat the last action
Ctrl + Shift + U	Expand or collapse the formula bar
Ctrl + A	Open the Insert Function dialog box
Ctrl + Shift + T	Toggle absolute and relative references

5. Workbook and Worksheet Management Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Ctrl + N	Create a new workbook
Ctrl + O	Open an existing workbook
Ctrl + S	Save the current workbook
Ctrl + P	Open the Print dialog box
Ctrl + F4	Close the current workbook
Ctrl + Tab	Switch to the next workbook
Ctrl + Shift + Tab	Switch to the previous workbook
Ctrl + Page Up	Move to the previous worksheet
Ctrl + Page Down	Move to the next worksheet
Ctrl + Shift + Page Up	Select multiple worksheets to the left
Ctrl + Shift + Page Down	Select multiple worksheets to the right

6. Cell Formatting Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Ctrl + B	Apply or remove bold formatting
Ctrl + I	Apply or remove italic formatting
Ctrl + U	Apply or remove underline formatting
Ctrl + 5	Apply or remove strikethrough formatting
Ctrl + 1	Open the Format Cells dialog box
Alt + H, H	Fill color options
Alt + H, F, C	Font color options
Ctrl + Shift + $	Apply currency format
Ctrl + Shift + %	Apply percentage format
Ctrl + Shift + #	Apply date format

7. Excel Ribbon and Menu Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Alt	Activate the Ribbon and display key tips
Alt + H	Go to the Home tab
Alt + N	Go to the Insert tab
Alt + P	Go to the Page Layout tab
Alt + A	Go to the Data tab
Alt + R	Go to the Review tab
Alt + W	Go to the View tab
Alt + Q	Move to the Tell Me box
Alt + F	Open the File menu

8. Excel Macros and Custom Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Alt + F8	Open the Macro dialog box
Ctrl + Shift + T	Run the last macro
Ctrl + Shift + L	Toggle AutoFilter
Ctrl + Shift + C	Copy format only

9. Common Excel Shortcuts for Windows

Shortcut	Description
Ctrl + A	Select all
Ctrl + W	Close the current window
Ctrl + Q	Quick analysis
Ctrl + R	Fill right
Ctrl + Shift + “	Copy the value from the cell above
Ctrl + ;	Insert the current date
Ctrl + Shift + :	Insert the current time
F1	Open the Excel Help menu
F12	Open the Save As dialog box
Ctrl + Alt + F1	Create a new worksheet in the same workbook

10. Excel Function Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Shift + F3	Open the Insert Function dialog box
Ctrl + Shift + A	Insert function arguments
Ctrl + Shift + L	Toggle AutoFilter

11. Excel Chart Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Alt + F1	Create a chart of the selected data
F11	Create a chart in a separate chart sheet
Ctrl + 1	Format selected chart
Ctrl + C	Copy selected chart
Ctrl + V	Paste copied chart

12. Excel Filtering and Sorting Shortcuts

Shortcut	Description
Alt + D, F, F	Apply Filter
Alt + A, S, A	Sort Ascending
Alt + A, S, D	Sort Descending
Ctrl + Shift + L	Toggle filters on and off
Ctrl + Shift + F	Open the Filter menu

13. Shortcut keys for Pivot Tables

Shortcut Key	Description
Alt + N + V	Opens the Create PivotTable dialogue box to select data for your new PivotTable.
Alt + J + T + D	Opens the PivotTable Tools Design tab for quick formatting of your PivotTable.
Alt + J + T + A	Toggles the AutoFilter on and off for the selected PivotTable field.
Ctrl + Shift + L	Turns filters on or off for the active Pivot Table.
Alt + J + T + F	Opens the Field List for the PivotTable to add or remove fields easily.
Ctrl + Alt + F5	Refreshes the selected Pivot Table, ensuring it displays the most current data.
Shift + F10	Opens the context menu for the selected PivotTable field for additional options.
Ctrl + - (minus key)	Removes the selected field from the Pivot Table.
Ctrl + Shift + + (plus key)	Adds a selected field back to the Pivot Table.
Alt + Shift + + (plus key)	Expands the selected item in a Pivot Table.
Alt + Shift + - (minus key)	Collapses the selected item in a Pivot Table.

Conclusion

Mastering Excel shortcuts can significantly improve your efficiency and productivity when working with data. Whether you are entering formulas, formatting cells, or navigating through worksheets, knowing these Excel keyboard shortcuts will enhance your experience. As you explore these computer shortcut keys, you will discover how to make the most of Excel and become a more proficient user.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I create custom keyboard shortcuts in Excel?

You can create custom keyboard shortcuts in Excel through the Options menu. This feature is particularly useful in certain Excel versions, allowing you to tailor shortcuts to your needs and enhance your overall productivity.

2. Are there specific versions of Excel with unique shortcuts?

Yes, certain versions of Excel may have unique shortcuts or additional features. It’s important to check the documentation for your specific version to understand the available keyboard shortcuts.

3. What is the description of Excel shortcuts available in the software?

The description of Excel shortcuts typically includes the key combinations and their respective functions, such as Ctrl + C for copying and Ctrl + V for pasting. Familiarizing yourself with these commands is essential for efficient use of the program.

4. Can you explain the difference between Excel Ctrl shortcuts and spreadsheet Ctrl shortcuts?

Excel Ctrl shortcuts often refer to commands like Ctrl + Z (undo) and Ctrl + S (save), while spreadsheet Ctrl shortcuts include actions specific to navigating and manipulating data within the workbook. Both sets of shortcuts are vital for managing your tasks effectively.

5. How do alt shortcuts enhance navigation in Excel?

Alt shortcuts provide quick access to the Ribbon and various menu options in Excel. For example, pressing Alt + H opens the Home tab, allowing users to quickly access formatting tools and enhancing the navigation experience within the program.

6. What are some computer shortcut keys for data manipulation?

Some right computer shortcut keys for data manipulation include:

Ctrl + X: Cut selected data
Ctrl + A: Select all content

7. Are there any basic computer shortcut keys I should know for Excel?

Yes, some basic computer shortcut keys for Excel include:

Ctrl + N: Create a new workbook
Ctrl + P: Print the current document These keys are essential for any MS Excel user looking to navigate the software smoothly.

8. How does the shift key function in conjunction with Excel shortcuts?

The shift key is often combined with other keys to extend selections. For instance, holding Shift while using the arrow keys allows you to select multiple cells, which is essential for formatting or editing data in Excel.

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Edited by

Shivangi Vatsal

Sr. Associate Content Strategist @Unstop

I am a storyteller by nature. At Unstop, I tell stories ripe with promise and inspiration, and in life, I voice out the stories of our four-legged furry friends. Providing a prospect of a good life filled with equal opportunities to students and our pawsome buddies helps me sleep better at night. And for those rainy evenings, I turn to my colors.