When most people think about keyboard shortcuts, Microsoft Word typically comes to mind first. However, as an Excel enthusiast, I’m here to tell you that Excel has its own powerful set of keyboard shortcuts that can dramatically improve your productivity. Today, I’ll guide you through the complete A-Z of Excel’s keyboard shortcuts for Windows users.
Let’s break them into logical sections:
Working with Files
– Ctrl + N: Create a new workbook
– Ctrl + O: Open an existing file
– Ctrl + P: Access print options
– Ctrl + S: Save your workbook
– Ctrl + W: Close the current workbook
I’ll bet that you knew some of them, but did you know about closing the workbook?
It’s the one that can be the most useful.
Normally you click on the X (top right corner) to close the file, but when it’s the last or only file you have open it also closes Excel.
Then you need to restart the app, wait for it to load and finally open the new file.
Instead use CTRL+W to close the file but leave Excel open ready to create a new file or open a different file.
Basic Text Formatting
– Ctrl + B: Apply bold formatting
– Ctrl + I: Apply italic formatting
– Ctrl + U: Apply underlining to selected text
Again, bet you knew these, but how often do you use them?
You can either click on the cell and apply the formatting to the whole contents. Or you can edit the cell (psst use the formula bar at the top to make it easier). Select the specific words or characters to apply the formatting to.
Clipboard Commands
(I hope that you already know and love them!)
– Ctrl + C: Copy selected cells or content
– Ctrl + V: Paste copied content
– Ctrl + X: Cut selected content
Selecting and Navigation
– Select all the contents within your worksheet with Ctrl + A
– Use the Find dialogue box to search for specific content. Simply use Ctrl + F
– When you know the cell address but don’t want to scroll around. Ctrl + G for Go To is quick and easy. Yes it can be used with other things but the cell address is the most popular option
– Finally, when you need to replace text or numbers, then use Ctrl + H for the Replace dialogue box
Standard MS Office commands
Ones that don’t fit into the other sections but are useful and work across the MS Office suite.
– Ctrl + K: Insert a hyperlink
– Ctrl + Y: Redo your last action
– Ctrl + Z: Undo your last action
And the Excel specific options
Now comes the turn of the options that you’ll only see when you’re using Excel.
– Ctrl + D: Duplicate the content from the cell above
Great when you need the same information repeated – although if you’ve got a lot try the Fill Handle instead.
– Ctrl + E: Activate FlashFill, a powerful data pattern recognition tool
– Ctrl + J: Insert a line break within a cell
– Ctrl + L: Create a table from selected data
An Excel Table has different features from just typing in the content.
– Ctrl + M: Move table (specifically for PowerPivot functionality)
– Ctrl + Q: Open Quick Analysis tools
Sure they appear automatically when you select a range. But what about the times you missed clicking the button before it disappeared?
– Ctrl + R: Fill selected cells to the right
– Ctrl + T: Create a table (alternative to Ctrl + L)
Making the Most of These Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel
These shortcuts aren’t just random combinations – they’re carefully designed to help you work more efficiently. For instance, using Ctrl + D to duplicate content from above can save countless minutes when working with repetitive data entry. Similarly, mastering Ctrl + E for FlashFill can automate pattern-based data entry tasks that would otherwise take hours to complete manually.
I regularly create detailed tutorials about these shortcuts and other Excel features. Many of these commands have more advanced applications, which I cover in separate videos on my channel.
Conclusion
Mastering these keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your Excel productivity. While it might seem overwhelming at first, start by learning a few that align with your most common tasks.
Plus you’ll notice that once you’ve mastered the ones that are standard across the Microsoft suite, you’ll only need to learn the application specific options.
As you become comfortable, gradually incorporate more shortcuts into your workflow.
Want to stay updated with more Excel tips and tricks? Subscribe to my channel and email newsletter for regular updates and more tips and tricks.
Related YouTube Videos
Want to see them in alphabetical order, then head over to my YouTube Channel for Excel Shortcuts Unlocked: Navigate from A to Z.
Why not watch Complete Guide to Word Shortcuts: From A to Z.
Cut, Copy & Paste – on your keyboard (YouTube Short)
Shortcut key with ALT GR (YouTube Short)
Alt GR Explained: Enhance Your Typing in Word and Google
Discover All the Shortcut Keys in Word
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