20 Must-Know Shortcut Keys in Microsoft Excel

Want to know how to navigate, select, format and perform other simple functions in Microsoft Excel quickly and efficiently? Here are some must-know shortcut keys to improve your productivity...

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NAVIGATING IN EXCEL

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1. Go to end of work area

Ctrl + End

This shortcut will move your active cell to the bottom right corner of your data.

2. Go to start of work area

Ctrl + Home

This shortcut will move your active cell to the top left corner of your data. This will usually be cell A1, unless you have turned on Freeze Panes, in which case this shortcut will take you to the top left cell of the unfrozen section of your data.

3. Go to previous screen above

Pg Up

This shortcut key will move your active cell up one screen at a time, remaining in the same column.

4. Go to next screen below

Pg Dn

This shortcut key will move your active cell down one screen at a time, remaining in the same column

SELECTING DATA

5. Select multiple individual cells (or ranges of cells)

Ctrl + Click

Holding down the Ctrl key whilst selecting cells (or ranges of cells) allows you to select multiple, non-adjacent cells at the same time.

6. Select a large range of cells

Click + Shift + Click

To select a large range (rectangular area of adjacent cells) click in the cell in the top left corner of the area to select, hold down the Shift key, then click in the cell in the bottom right corner of the area to select.

7. Select the whole spreadsheet

Ctrl + A

This shortcut key will select the entire spreadsheet. Alternatively click on the button to the left of column header A.

8. Select a range of cells

Ctrl + *

This shortcut key selects the current range of cells i.e. a rectangular area of cells with no adjacent data. Note: Use the * key on the number pad of your keyboard. If you do not have a number pad then you will need to use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 8. FORMATTING

9. Format data in active cell(s) as Bold

Ctrl + B

10. Format data in active cell(s) as Italic

Ctrl + I

11. Format data in active cell(s) as Underlined

Ctrl +U OTHER SHORTCUTS

12. Create a new line within a cell

Alt + Enter

Using Alt and Enter will create a new line in a cell, just like creating a new line in a document. If you are using Excel 2007 or later version, you will be able to expand the formula bar to view multiple lines in a cell.
13. Open a new workbook

Ctrl + N

14. Open an existing workbook

Ctrl + O

15. Save current workbook

Ctrl + S

16. Print worksheet

Ctrl + P

17. Undo last action

Ctrl + Z

18. Copy selected cells

Ctrl + C

This shortcut key selects cells for copying. The second step is to select where to copy this data to (Paste).

19. Move selected cells

Ctrl + X

This shortcut key selects cells for moving (Cut). The second step is to select where to move this data to (Paste).

20. Paste selected cells

Ctrl + V

20 Must-Know Shortcut Keys in Microsoft Excel

Article written by:

Penny Buckwell
Owner, EasyPC Training
Brisbane, Australia

Penny Buckwell is a Microsoft Office Master and qualified trainer with over 15 years experience. Through her training business, EasyPC Training, she has written many articles on a range of Microsoft and MYOB topics, and is an Expert Author for Ezine Articles. For more information visit http://www.easypctraining.com.au

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