If you know anything about me, you know I love a bit of Excel.
So today, I want to share something that will help make you an Excel pro!
We all have that person in our team who hardly even reach for the mouse when working with data. The speed that things happen on the screen indicate an Excel genius! Well, here's the secret – they're probably using some really simple Excel shortcuts.
Time is our most valuable asset. That's why mastering Excel keyboard shortcuts is the key to getting things done quickly and efficiently.
These little tricks can trim down your workload, giving you more time for the things that truly matter (like that well deserved tea break!).
Whether you're a spreadsheet novice or a seasoned pro, there's always a new shortcut you can learn. So take a look at my list and pick one you’re going to try out today!
Let’s start with the basics.
Basic Keyboard Shortcuts ✂️
If you’ve never used a keyboard shortcut before, start with these and you’ll never look back.
Shortcut Function | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
Paste Special | Ctrl + Alt + V | Command + Ctrl + V |
Cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
Redo | Ctrl + Y | Command + Shift + Z |
Save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
Ctrl + P | Command + P |
Navigation Shortcuts ➡️
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these are the ones that will save you the most time in Excel. You won’t need to scroll your way to the end of your data, and can quickly get to where you need to be.
Shortcut Function | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Select All | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
Switch Between Sheets | Ctrl + Page Up/Page Down | Option + ← / → |
Switch Between Docs | Alt + Tab | Command + ` |
Navigate to Edge of Data | Ctrl + Arrow Keys | Command + Arrow Keys |
Select Data | Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys | Command + Shift + Arrow Keys |
Select Row | Shift + Spacebar | Shift + Spacebar |
Select Column | Ctrl + Spacebar | Ctrl + Spacebar |
Data Manipulation Shortcuts 🔢
Now you can find your way around, it’s time to start changing and analysing your data. These shortcuts will be most useful for that.
Shortcut Function | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Find | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
Replace | Ctrl + H | Ctrl + H |
Turn On/Off Filters | Ctrl + Shift + L | Command + Shift + F |
Create a Table | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
Cell Formatting Shortcuts 🖍️
Want your Excel sheets to look polished and professional? These cell formatting shortcuts will get you there much faster.
Shortcut Function | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Bold | Ctrl + B | Command + B |
Italicize | Ctrl + I | Command + I |
Underline | Ctrl + U | Command + U |
Strikethrough | Ctrl + 5 | Command + Shift + X |
Increase Font Size | Alt + H, F, G | Shift + Command + . |
Decrease Font Size | Alt + H, F, K | Shift + Command + , |
Align Centre | Alt + H, A, C | Command + E |
Align Left | Alt + H, A, L | Command + L |
Align Right | Alt + H, A, R | N / A |
Number Formatting Shortcuts 💷
Let’s get your numbers looking just right, with just a few clicks.
Shortcut Function | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
Open Format Cells Options | Ctrl + 1 | Command + 1 |
Currency Format | Ctrl + Shift + 3 | Ctrl + Shift + 4 |
Percentage Format | Ctrl + Shift + 5 | Ctrl + Shift + 5 |
General Number Format | Ctrl + Shift + ~ | Ctrl + Shift + ` |
General Number Format with 2 decimal places | Ctrl + Shift + 1 | Command + Shift + 1 |
So, there we have it. Some of my most used Excel shortcuts.
Hopefully there are some new ones in there for you to add to your repertoire.
Which ones are you most excited to try?
My team and I are full of tips and tricks when it comes to analysing data, so reach out to us if there’s anything we can do to help you and your business.
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