Using a mouse or trackpad to search for menus and buttons and execute multiple clicks to run a command can be time-consuming. When performed frequently, these actions can accumulate substantial time over the course of a day.
Keyboard shortcuts offer an effective means to enhance productivity in Excel. Once familiar with these shortcuts, users can rely on muscle memory to accomplish tasks significantly faster than by manually searching for buttons and clicking. Moreover, proficient use of keyboard shortcuts categorizes users as ‘advanced’, often prompting others to seek their assistance and advice.
Below is my list of the most important keyboard shortcuts in Excel.
File and Interface
Shortcut
Description
Ctrl + F1
Hide / Show the Ribbon
Ctrl + Shift + U
Expand or collapse formula bar
Alt + Q
Go to Search box
F12
Open Save As dialog
Shift + F11
Add a new worksheet
Shift + F10
Open Context (Right click) menu
Ctrl + W
Close the file
Editing
Shortcut
Description
F2
Edit cell value or formula
Alt + = (Equal)
AutoSum
Ctrl + D
Copy down
Ctrl + R
Copy right
F4
Toggle absolute and relative reference
Ctrl + E
Invoke Flash Fill
Ctrl + Minus
Delete row or column
Ctrl + Shift + Plus
Insert row or column
Ctrl + ; (semicolon)
Insert today’s date
Ctrl + : (colon)
Insert current time
Navigation
Shortcut
Description
Ctrl + Right Arrow
Move to the last cell of the row
Ctrl + Left Arrow
Move to the first cell of the row
Ctrl + Down Arrow
Move to the last cell of the column
Ctrl + Up Arrow
Move to the first cell of the column
Ctrl + Home
Move to the start of the worksheet
Ctrl + End
Move to the end of the worksheet
Alt + Page Down
Move one screen right
Alt + Page Up
Move one screen left
Ctrl + Page Down
Move to the next sheet
Ctrl + Page Up
Move to the previous sheet
Selection
You know that a combination of Shift and Arrow Keys allow you to select cells in the respective arrow key direction. The first four shortcuts in the table below are the same as those used for navigation, with the addition of the Shift key for selection.
