80+ Excel Shortcuts That You Should Know in 2024

Yana Khare Last Updated : 12 Jun, 2024
5 min read

Introduction

Undoubtedly, Microsoft Excel is one of the most important tools in quick-paced data processing and analysis. Because of its capacity to function well in a dynamic environment, Excel has become more well-known and acknowledged as a valuable tool among research, data science, accounting, and finance professionals. It is a commonly used program, especially with the Microsoft Office suite. Users may operate on data, arrange and summarize it in a complete program, and more with this Microsoft spreadsheet tool. This article delves into the top 80+ Excel shortcuts you should know in 2024.

Overview:

  • Microsoft Excel allows users to organize, calculate, and visually represent spreadsheets.
  • Excel is an indispensable tool for intricate data management jobs because of its user-friendly interface, vast function library, data visualization features, and data analysis capabilities.
  • Excel shortcuts increase productivity by reducing interruptions and optimizing workflows, enabling users to complete activities rapidly without navigating menus.
80+ Excel Shortcuts That You Should Know in 2024

What is Microsoft Excel?

Microsoft Excel is a robust and adaptable spreadsheet program. It is extensively used for tasks involving data management, analysis, and visualization. Excel is a fundamental tool in the Microsoft Office suite. Through various features and functionalities, it offers a powerful data organization, calculation, and presentation platform.

Key Features of Microsoft Excel:

  1. Spreadsheet Interface: The main way to interact with Excel is by employing a grid-based model of rows and columns. It can contain almost any data type- text
  2. Formulas and Functions: Excel has many built-in functions and can develop intricate formulae for analyzing and calculating data. Among the functions are tools for text manipulation, finance, logic, statistics, and mathematics.
  3. Data Visualization: To facilitate comprehension and representation of information, users may build embedded charts, graphs, and pivot tables needed for data presentation and analysis.
  4. Data Analysis: Large data sets may be examined and interpreted using conditional formatting, data validation, sorting, filtering, and what-if analysis.
  5. Macros and Automation: VBA scripting and Macros ensure the utilization of Excel. Additionally, it also helps to automate several activities that may otherwise occupy a lot of time.
  6. Templates and Add-ins: Excel offers several templates for frequently used tasks and allows add-ins for more advanced features.
  7. Integration: Excel is a core tool for data-driven decisions across many business applications, integrating with other Microsoft Office programs and data sources.

Explore this comprehensive Excel Tutorial, which is available for those looking to enhance their Excel skills further.

What is the Need For Excel Shortcuts?

Excel shortcuts are key combinations that allow you to accomplish specific tasks faster than menus and toolbars. They are crucial for increasing productivity and efficiency because they reduce the time and effort needed to complete different activities.

Key Reasons for Using Excel Shortcuts

  • Speed Up Workflow: Shortcuts let you do activities faster by removing the need to cycle through several menu selections.
  • Streamline Data Entry: Shortcuts make entering and formatting data, performing calculations, and navigating spreadsheets significantly faster.
  • Automate Repetitive Tasks: Shortcuts reduce mistakes and save time by automating repeated activities.
  • Maintain Workflow: Using keyboard shortcuts lets you concentrate on the current job without looking up commands.
  • Reduce Interruptions: Shortcuts facilitate the seamless and uninterrupted use of the mouse and trackpad by requiring fewer interruptions.
  • Professional Edge: Advanced knowledge of shortcuts is often seen as a mark of expertise. Thus making you more efficient and valuable in professional environments.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Tutorial on Microsoft Excel for Data Analysis

80+ Excel Shortcuts That You Should Know in 2024

Basic Shortcuts in Excel

ActionShortcut
New WorkbookCtrl + N
Open WorkbookCtrl + O
Save WorkbookCtrl + S
Print WorkbookCtrl + P
Close WorkbookCtrl + W
UndoCtrl + Z
RedoCtrl + Y
CopyCtrl + C
CutCtrl + X
PasteCtrl + V
BoldCtrl + B
ItalicCtrl + I
UnderlineCtrl + U
Apply Currency FormatCtrl + Shift + $
Apply Percentage FormatCtrl + Shift + %
Apply Date FormatCtrl + Shift + #
Increase Font SizeCtrl + Shift + >
Decrease Font SizeCtrl + Shift + <

Excel Worksheet Shortcut Keys

ActionShortcut
Insert New WorksheetShift + F11
Delete WorksheetAlt + H, D, S
Rename WorksheetAlt + H, O, R
Move Between WorksheetsCtrl + Page Up / Ctrl + Page Down
Group WorksheetsCtrl + Shift + Click
Switch Between Open WorkbooksCtrl + Tab
Maximize Workbook WindowAlt + Space, X
Restore Workbook WindowAlt + Space, R
Close Workbook without Closing ExcelCtrl + F4
Open Workbook PropertiesAlt + F, I
Switch WorkbooksCtrl + Tab
Save AsF12
Close ExcelAlt + F4

Shortcut Keys for Ribbon in Excel

ActionShortcut
Activate Ribbon TabsAlt
Navigate Ribbon TabsArrow Keys
Activate Selected Ribbon TabEnter
Execute Command on RibbonAlt + (Command Key)
Hide/Show RibbonCtrl + F1

Drag and Drop Shortcuts in Excel

ActionShortcut
Copy Using Drag and DropCtrl + Drag
Move Using Drag and DropShift + Drag
Fill SeriesDrag Fill Handle

Shortcut Keys for Navigation in Excel

ActionShortcut
Move to the Beginning of RowHome
Move to the End of RowCtrl + Right Arrow
Move to the Beginning of WorksheetCtrl + Home
Move to the End of WorksheetCtrl + End

Excel Shortcut Keys for Active Cell

ActionShortcut
Edit Active CellF2
Enter Formula=
Fill DownCtrl + D
Fill RightCtrl + R

Excel Shortcut Keys for Selection

ActionShortcut
Select Entire ColumnCtrl + Space
Select Entire RowShift + Space
Select All DataCtrl + A
Extend Selection to Last Non-blank Cell in RowCtrl + Shift + Right Arrow
Extend Selection to Last Non-blank Cell in ColumnCtrl + Shift + Down Arrow

Shortcut Keys for Cell Edit Mode in Excel

ActionShortcut
Insert Line BreakAlt + Enter
Cancel EntryEsc
Complete EntryEnter

Excel Shortcut Keys to Enter Data

ActionShortcut
Insert Current DateCtrl + ; (Semicolon)
Insert Current TimeCtrl + Shift + ; (Semicolon)
Repeat Last ActionF4
Enter the Same Data in Multiple CellsCtrl + Enter

Shortcut Keys for Insert & Layout in Excel

ActionShortcut
Insert Cells, Rows, or ColumnsCtrl + Shift + + (Plus)
Delete Cells, Rows, or ColumnsCtrl + – (Minus)
Insert New RowAlt + I, R
Insert New ColumnAlt + I, C

Apply Borders in Excel Using Shortcut

ActionShortcut
Add Outline BorderCtrl + Shift + &
Remove BorderCtrl + Shift + _
Open Format Cells – Border TabCtrl + 1, then select Border tab

Excel Shortcut Keys for Pivot Tables

ActionShortcut
Create PivotTableAlt + N, V
Open Field ListAlt + J, T, L
Refresh PivotTableAlt + F5
Move to the First Field in the PivotTableAlt + Shift + Home
Show PivotTable OptionsAlt + J, T, O
Select Entire PivotTableAlt + Shift + T
Drill DownCtrl + Shift + * (Asterisk)
Move FieldAlt + Shift + Up/Down Arrow
Group SelectionAlt + Shift + Right Arrow
Ungroup SelectionAlt + Shift + Left Arrow

Cell Formatting Shortcut Keys

ActionShortcut
Open Format Cells DialogCtrl + 1
Format as GeneralCtrl + Shift + ~ (Tilde)
Format as TimeCtrl + Shift + @

Row and Column Formatting Shortcut Keys

ActionShortcut
AutoFit Row HeightAlt + H, O, A
AutoFit Column WidthAlt + H, O, I
Hide RowCtrl + 9
Hide ColumnCtrl + 0
Unhide RowCtrl + Shift + 9
Unhide ColumnCtrl + Shift + 0

Conclusion

This will make Excel an even more potent tool for simple and complicated data jobs. By incorporating these shortcuts into your regular work, you may accomplish notable increases in accuracy and productivity, improving the management and analysis of data.

If you want to learn more about Excel Formluas and Functions, enroll in Analytics Vidhya’s course today!

A 23-year-old, pursuing her Master's in English, an avid reader, and a melophile. My all-time favorite quote is by Albus Dumbledore - "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light."

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