You can never have enough shortcuts – especially when it comes to Excel.
A few years ago, we posted the 21 best Excel shortcuts, but times change and so do Excel versions. After revisiting the 21 best shortcuts, take a look at these additions and add it to your shortcut list.
Also note that, while all CTRL (Control key) shortcuts still work in newer versions of Excel, you’ll need to recall the ALT (Alternate key) shortcuts from memory. There are no more screen reminders mid-typing. If you can’t remember a certain shortcut, press ALT and on-screen key tips will appear.
Most valuable ALT shortcuts
- ALT+= – Summing is probably Excel’s most used task, so this can save you some time. To sum a column of numbers, select the cell at the bottom of the column, then key the command to insert the sum function.
- ALT+E+D – This will fully delete a cell. Though it may be easier to right click and select “Delete,” it’s probably better to get your hands accustomed to staying on the keyboard as much as possible. Here’s a trick: Think “Express Delete” to remember the shortcut.
- ALT+ENTER – Enter a new row in a single cell. Helpful when you need to write data paragraph by paragraph.
- ALT+F1 – This creates a chart out of the data in selected cells. This is probably one of the most commonly used features of Excel.
- ALT+F4 – Close all open workbooks. Remember to save when prompted!
Most valuable CTRL shortcuts
- CTRL+ ~ (tilde key) – This will show all the formulas in a workbook. To get in the habit of keeping your hands at your keyboard, use this shortcut instead of going back and clicking on every cell to see its formula. (By the way, the tilde key is in the top left of your keyboard)
- CTRL+space bar – This will select an entire column. Use SHIFT+space bar to select a single row.
- CTRL+F9/CTRL+F10 – These commands minimize and maximize, respectively, the active workbook.
- CTRL+Home/CTRL+End – Takes you to the beginning and ending cells, respectively, of the spreadsheet.
- CTRL+SHIFT+7 – Applies a border to selected data. This is helpful with designing templates, too.
Know any helpful shortcuts we haven’t mentioned yet? Let us know about them in the comments below.
