Microsoft Excel is extensively used across the globe to store and analyze data. Despite various new data analytics tools in the market, Excel remains the go-to product for working with data. It has numerous in-built features, which makes it easier for you to organize your data.
The shortcut keys in Excel help you work on your data in a jiffy. In this article, we’ll be discussing the various Excel shortcuts. These keyboard shortcuts are used to perform tasks faster and effectively.
What is Microsoft Excel?
Although many of you are already aware of Excel, let’s have a small introduction anyways. Microsoft Excel is an application developed by Microsoft that is used to record, analyze, and visualize data. Excel, a spreadsheet application, was developed by Microsoft in 1985.
Fig: Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet
Data in Excel is in the form of rows and columns. Excel is commonly used to record and analyze data, perform mathematical operations, and visualize structured data in charts and graphs. Finally, another important application of Excel is that it helps in automating tasks through excel macros.
To perform the tasks mentioned above quickly, Excel has a set of shortcuts. Various operations can be achieved with a few simple keyboard strokes. Let’s dive deep into the Excel shortcuts that can help us work better on an Excel spreadsheet.
Need for Excel Shortcuts
Excel supports a plethora of keyboard shortcuts that help you work efficiently and increase productivity. Instead of accessing the toolbar with a mouse, two or three keystrokes are used to perform significant functions. Isn’t that easier and time-saving? Using Excel shortcuts drastically increases the speed, and thus reduces work-time.
Now the question is, if you have to memorize these shortcuts, the answer is no. However, it would be an advantage if you can remember a few of them. With regular practice, you will be able to remember most of the common Excel shortcuts.
Let’s now look at the Excel shortcuts cheat sheet, which you should know when working on Microsoft Excel. In this article, we have categorized 50 Excel shortcuts based on their operations. First, we will look at the workbook shortcut keys.
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Workbook Shortcut Keys
In this section, we will understand the basics of operating a workbook. We will learn how to create a new workbook, open an existing workbook, and save a spreadsheet so that you don’t lose any data or calculations that you have done. We will then go through how you can toggle between several different sheets in a workbook.
Description | Excel Shortcuts |
1. To create a new workbook | Ctrl + N |
2. To open an existing workbook | Ctrl + O |
3. To save a workbook/spreadsheet | Ctrl + S |
4. To close the current workbook | Ctrl + W |
5. To close Excel | Ctrl + F4 |
6. To move to the next sheet | Ctrl + PageDown |
7. To move to the previous sheet | Ctrl + PageUp |
8. To go to the Data tab | Alt + A |
9. To go to the View tab | Alt + W |
10. To go the Formula tab | Alt + M |
Those were the Excel shortcuts that can help you navigate through your spreadsheet. Once the workbook creation is done, the next key step is cell formatting.
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Cell Formatting Shortcut Keys
A cell in Excel holds all the data that you are working on. Several different shortcuts can be applied to a cell, such as editing a cell, aligning cell contents, adding a border to a cell, adding an outline to all the selected cells, and many more. Here is a sneak peek into these Excel shortcuts.
Description | Excel Shortcuts |
11. To edit a cell | F2 |
12. To copy and paste cells | Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V |
13. To italicize and make the font bold | Ctrl + I, Ctrl + B |
14. To center align cell contents | Alt + H + A + C |
15. To fill color | Alt + H + H |
16. To add a border | Alt + H + B |
17. To remove outline border | Ctrl + Shift + _ |
18. To add an outline to the select cells | Ctrl + Shift + & |
19. To move to the next cell | Tab |
20. To move to the previous cell | Shift + Tab |
21. To select all the cells on the right | Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow |
22. To select all the cells on the left | Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow |
23. To select the column from the selected cell to the end of the table | Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow |
24. To select all the cells above the selected cell | Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow |
25. To select all the cells below the selected cell | Ctrl + Shift + Down Arrow |
In addition to the above-mentioned cell formatting shortcuts, let’s look at a few more additional and advanced cell formatting Excel shortcuts, that might come handy.
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We will learn how to add a comment to a cell. Comments are helpful when giving extra information about cell content. We will also learn how to find value and replace it with another value in the spreadsheet. After this, we will look into how to insert the current time, current date, activate a filter, and add a hyperlink to a cell. Finally, we will see how to apply a format to the data in a cell.
Description | Excel Shortcuts |
26. To add a comment to a cell | Shift + F2 |
27. To delete a cell comment | Shift + F10 + D |
28. To display find and replace | Ctrl + H |
29. To activate the filter | Ctrl + Shift + L Alt + Down Arrow |
30. To insert the current date | Ctrl + ; |
31. To insert current time | Ctrl + Shift + : |
32. To insert a hyperlink | Ctrl + k |
33. To apply the currency format | Ctrl + Shift + $ |
34. To apply the percent format | Ctrl + Shift + % |
35. To go to the “Tell me what you want to do” box | Alt + Q |
After working with cell formatting Excel shortcuts, the next step is to understand how to work with an entire row/column in Excel.
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Row and Column Formatting Shortcut Keys
In this section, we’ll look at some critical row and column formatting shortcuts.
We will understand how to delete rows and columns, hide and unhide the selected rows and columns, and group and ungroup rows and columns.
Description | Excel Shortcuts |
36. To select the entire row | Shift + Space |
37. To select the entire column | Ctrl + Space |
38. To delete a column | Alt+H+D+C |
39. To delete a row | Shift + Space, Ctrl + - |
40. To hide selected row | Ctrl + 9 |
41. To unhide selected row | Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
42. To hide a selected column | Ctrl + 0 |
43. To unhide a selected column | Ctrl + Shift + 0 |
44. To group rows or columns | Alt + Shift + Right arrow |
45. To ungroup rows or columns | Alt + Shift + Left arrow |
Now that we have looked at the different shortcut keys for formatting cells, rows, and columns, it is time to jump into understanding an advanced topic in Excel, i.e. dealing with pivot tables. Let’s look at the different shortcuts to summarize your data using a pivot table.
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Pivot Table Shortcut Keys
First, let’s create a pivot table using a sales dataset.
In the image below you can see that we have a pivot table to summarize the total sales for each subcategory of the product under each category.
Fig: Pivot table using sales data
46. To group pivot table items | Alt + Shift + Right arrow |
The image below depicts that we have grouped the sales of bookcases and chairs subcategories into Group 1.
47. To ungroup pivot table items | Alt + Shift + Left arrow |
48. To hide pivot table items | Ctrl + - |
You can see below we have hidden the Chairs, Art, and Label subcategories.
49. To create a pivot chart on the same sheet | Alt + F1 |
50. To create a pivot chart on a new worksheet | F11 |
Fig: Pivot chart on the same sheet
Have a look at the video below that explains worksheet related shortcuts, row and column shortcuts, and pivot table shortcut keys.Our Data Analyst Master's Program will help you learn analytics tools and techniques to become a Data Analyst expert! It's the pefect course for you to jumpstart your career. Enroll now!
Conclusion
Excel shortcut keys will indeed help you build your reports and analysis faster and better. After reading this article, you would have understood the different types of Excel shortcuts related to the workbook, cell formatting, row and column formatting, and pivot tables.
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We hope you find these hacks useful and can easily master these shortcut keys by working on excel regularly. Do you have any questions related to this article? If so, then please put it in the comments section of the article and our experts will get back to you at the earliest.
FAQs
What are the 50 shortcut keys? ›
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC | Open Windows Task Manager |
---|---|
Windows Key+ P | Projection Screen (PROJECT) |
Windows Key+ Arrow key | To manage a number of the window in the screen (to divide screen) |
Alt + Space Bar | Opens menu which moves, minimize, maximize, close the current windows. |
- - Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts -
- Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Insert and Ctrl+X. Both Ctrl+C and Ctrl+Insert will copy highlighted text or a selected item. ...
- Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert. ...
- Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y. ...
- Ctrl+F. ...
- Alt+Tab or Ctrl+Tab. ...
- Ctrl+Backspace and Ctrl+Left or Right arrow. ...
- Ctrl+S.
Basic Computer Keyboard Shortcut Keys A to Z | |
---|---|
Shortcuts | Uses of Shortcut keys |
Ctrl + C | Copy the selected item |
Ctrl + Ins | Copy the selected item |
Ctrl + V | Paste the selected item |
- Ctrl + A -- Select all contents of the page.
- Ctrl + B -- Bold highlighted selection.
- Ctrl + C -- Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + X -- Cut selected text.
- Ctrl + N -- Open new/blank document.
- Ctrl + O -- Open options.
- Ctrl + P -- Open the print window.
- Ctrl + F -- Open find box.
The F1 through F12 FUNCTION keys have special alternate commands. These keys are called enhanced function keys.
What is F1 f2 f3 f4 f5 f6 f7 f8 f9 f10 F11 F12? ›The function keys or F-keys on a computer keyboard, labeled F1 through F12, are keys that have a special function defined by the operating system, or by a currently running program. They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys.
What is Ctrl Shift Z? ›Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + Z , or Ctrl + Y. Same as undo, when undo is exhausted, it redoes. Move the cursor after one or more undos, and further undos will be redos.
What are the 7 special keys in keyboard? ›- Ctrl-S - save.
- Ctrl-O - open.
- Ctrl-N - new.
- Ctrl-C - copy.
- Ctrl-V - paste.
- Ctrl-X - cut.
- Ctrl-Z - undo.
- Ctrl-A - select all.
- Copy: Ctrl + C.
- Cut: Ctrl + X.
- Paste: Ctrl + V.
- Maximize Window: F11 or Windows logo key + Up arrow.
- Open Task View: Windows logo key + Tab.
- Display and hide the desktop: Windows logo key + D.
- Switch between open apps: Alt + Tab.
- Open the Quick Link menu: Windows logo key + X.
- CTRL + F: Search for text. ...
- CTRL + Click / Shift + Click: Select multiple items. ...
- CTRL +A: Select all items. ...
- Shift + Arrow: Highlight text. ...
- ALT + Left Arrow: Move forward or back in web browser. ...
- Windows Key + Arrow: Windows Snap.
What is Ctrl K used for? ›
Control-K is a common computer command. It is generated by pressing the K key while holding down the Ctrl key on most computer keyboards. In hypertext environments that use the control key to control the active program, control-K is often used to add, edit, or modify a hyperlink to a Web page.
What does Ctrl Q do? ›Remove paragraph formatting. Ctrl+Q. Apply single spacing to the paragraph.
What does Ctrl J do? ›Ctrl+J Aligns the selected text or line to justify the screen. Ctrl+K Insert a hyperlink. Ctrl+L Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen.
What is a 101-key keyboard? ›A 101-key keyboard (U.S. layout) from IBM that superseded the PC/XT and AT keyboards. Introduced in 1985 as the Model M and standard on IBM's PS/2 computer, the Enhanced keyboard was used for more than a decade and continues to be used in its Windows keyboard variant.
What is a 102 key keyboard? ›The X9 Performance 102-Key Full Size Wireless RF Keyboard for Windows is a 2.4 GHz wireless RF keyboard specially designed for Windows. Its 102-key layout features a 20% reduction in keyboard size for a shorter travel distance, which results in faster number typing.
How many keys is a 80%? ›80% | 87-key Keyboard | Tenkeyless Keyboard (TKL)
The 80% layout of the keyboard is also called the Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard because the numeric keypad was removed.
Ctrl + Shift + P. Play selected item.
Are there 12 function keys? ›There are 12 keys on the keyboard from F1 to F12. All keys are having different functions to perform. If you are using Laptop then you have to press Fn key along with other keys from F1 to F12 for use.
What are the 4 special keys in keyboard? ›- Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter.
- Control keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. ...
- Function keys. ...
- Navigation keys. ...
- Numeric keypad.
F1 – Opens the Help screen for almost every program. F2 – Allows you to rename a selected file or folder. F3 – Opens a search feature for an application that is active at the moment. F4 – Alt + F4 closes the active window.
What is F5 used for? ›
F5. Multi-Cloud Security and Application Delivery. Get consistent application services across cloud environments. Jump start your web application security initiative with no financial risk.
What does F9 do? ›F9 is shorthand for "Fine," which is sometimes used in chat communication. 2. The F9 key is a function key found at the top of almost all computer keyboards. The key is often used to open Mission Control on an Apple computer.
What is Ctrl K in Excel? ›Open the Insert hyperlink dialog box. Ctrl+K. Check spelling in the active worksheet or selected range.
What is Ctrl Shift 3 Excel? ›The shortcut to format a cell as a date is CTRL + SHIFT + 3, and to format it as time, the shortcut is CTRL + SHIFT + 2. If these shortcuts don't work on your keyboard, press CTRL + 1 while on the cell, and choose a format you would like to have.
What is Ctrl 0 Excel? ›There are several dedicated keyboard shortcuts to hide and unhide rows and columns. Ctrl+9 to Hide Rows. Ctrl+0 (zero) to Hide Columns.
What is F8 key? ›F8. Function key used to enter the Windows startup menu, commonly used to access Windows Safe Mode. Used by some computers to access the Windows recovery system, but may require a Windows installation CD.
What does F9 and F10 do? ›Describes the new function keys (F9, F10, F11) allow you to control, and navigate your computer easily, thus boosting your productivity. F9 key to easily access to the commonly-used notification & action settings. F10 or F11 to quickly respond to the VoIP calls even without a mouse.
What does F9 do in Excel? ›F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks. Shift+F9 calculates the active worksheet. Ctrl+Alt+F9 calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation.
What is Alt F5? ›Alt + F5 : Restore. Alt + F4 : Close.
What is Ctrl E? ›Ctrl + e is used for many programs for example in ms word or PowerPoint, it is used to change the alignment of a line or centered the text. In a google sheet, Ctrl+ e collapses an expanded array formula. In firefox, internet explorer, opera, chrome Control + E opens the search bar, the address bar, or Omnibox.
What does Ctrl Alt P do? ›
In Microsoft Word, pressing Alt + P opens the Page Layout tab in the Ribbon. After using this shortcut, you can press an additional key to select an option in the Page Layout tab.
What are the 12 notes on a keyboard? ›The 12 notes are C, C-Sharp (D-Flat), D, D-sharp (E-Flat), E, F, F-Sharp (G-Flat), G, G-Sharp (A-Flat), A, A-Sharp (B-Flat), and B. Many beginners think that a sharp or flat means a black key. All black keys are either a sharp or flat, but not all sharps and flats are black keys.
Is there are 26 alphabet keys on the keyboard? ›Answer: A keyboard contains 26 alphabet keys. Used to enter words and phrases. You can write both uppercase and lowercase letters.
What is the 6 key symbol? ›Alternatively referred to as the circumflex, the caret is the symbol ( ^ ) above the 6 key on a standard United States qwerty keyboard. In mathematics, the caret represents an exponent, such as a square, cube, or another exponential power.
What are the 15 most used Windows shortcuts? ›- Ctrl+Z = Undo. ...
- Ctrl+home = Beginning of page or document. ...
- Ctrl+end = End of page or document. ...
- Ctrl+F = Accesses “Find” tool. ...
- Alt+Tab = Switching between alternate windows. ...
- Ctrl+S = Save. ...
- Ctrl+P = Print.
- Ctrl+Enter = Page break.
Ctrl + F: Open find box. Ctrl + I: Italic highlighted selection. Ctrl + K: Insert link (Shortcut Keys and their Functions). Ctrl + U: Underline highlighted selection.
What are the 104 keys in keyboard? ›A 104-key keyboard (U.S. layout) that is the de facto standard keyboard included with new desktop PCs. Introduced in 1995, the Windows keyboard superseded the 101-key Enhanced keyboard and added three keys specialized for Windows.
What is the most hit key on a keyboard? ›The third most popular is... the "backspace" key. The second most popular is... the letter "e". The number one most popular is... the space bar.
What happens if you press Alt F4? ›What is Alt + F4? Alt + F4 is a keyboard shortcut that completely closes the application you're currently using on your computer. Alt + F4 differs slightly from Ctrl + F4, which closes the current tab or window of the program you're currently using.
How do I use my keyboard for everything? ›- Press Windows to toggle Start menu.
- Press Alt + Tab to switch between open windows.
- Press Alt to focus current windows' application menu.
- Press Tab to jump between focusable controls.
- Press Enter to confirm something (for example closing a dialog and applying changes)
Are there 24 function keys? ›
Today's traditional PC keyboards have 12 function keys, F1 through F12 . Some specialized PC keyboards have 24 function keys, F1 through F24 . Many Apple desktop computer keyboards with a number pad have 19 function keys, F1 through F19 .
What are the 20 keyboard shortcuts? ›- Copy: Ctrl + C.
- Cut: Ctrl + X.
- Paste: Ctrl + V.
- Maximize Window: F11 or Windows logo key + Up arrow.
- Open Task View: Windows logo key + Tab.
- Display and hide the desktop: Windows logo key + D.
- Switch between open apps: Alt + Tab.
- Open the Quick Link menu: Windows logo key + X.
- Ctrl + A – Selects all text.
- Ctrl + X – Cuts the selected item.
- Ctrl + Del – Cut selected item.
- Ctrl + C – Copy the selected item.
- Ctrl + Ins – Copy the selected item.
- Ctrl + V – Paste the selected item.
- Alt + F – File menu options in the current program.
The function keys or F-keys on a computer keyboard, labeled F1 through F12, are keys that have a special function defined by the operating system, or by a currently running program. They may be combined with the Alt or Ctrl keys.
What are the 16 basic control keys? ›- Ctrl + A -- Select all contents of the page.
- Ctrl + B -- Bold highlighted selection.
- Ctrl + C -- Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + X -- Cut selected text.
- Ctrl + N -- Open new/blank document.
- Ctrl + O -- Open options.
- Ctrl + P -- Open the print window.
- Ctrl + F -- Open find box.
A 101-key keyboard (U.S. layout) from IBM that superseded the PC/XT and AT keyboards. Introduced in 1985 as the Model M and standard on IBM's PS/2 computer, the Enhanced keyboard was used for more than a decade and continues to be used in its Windows keyboard variant.
Is there a 66 keyboard? ›Most keyboards come with 66, 72, or 88 keys. For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning to play, and you can play most music on a 72-key instrument. For anyone interested in playing classical piano, however, a full 88 keys are recommended, especially if you plan on one day playing a traditional piano.
What is a 40% keyboard? ›What is a 40% keyboard? 40% keyboards are a niche keyboard, its keyboard layout does away with the number row, arrow cluster, and often punctuation keys. People who prefer 40% keyboards have optimized their use of space and movement, a 40% keyboard can type and game very efficiently once you get used to its nuances.
What are 5 shortcuts? ›Ctrl + P: Open the print window. Ctrl + F: Open find box. Ctrl + I: Italic highlighted selection. Ctrl + K: Insert link (Shortcut Keys and their Functions).
What is new shortcut? ›Ctrl+N: Create a new file. Ctrl+O: Open an existing file. Ctrl+S: Save the current file. Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action.