65 Shortcut Keys in Excel [Free PDF Download]

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis, calculations, and creating complex spreadsheets. While its user interface is user-friendly, mastering Excel shortcuts can significantly boost your productivity. In this article, I’ll discuss 65 essential shortcut keys in Excel that every user should know. Plus, I’m offering a free PDF download for quick reference. Let’s dive in and supercharge your Excel skills!

Download 65 Excel Shortcut Keys in PDF

25 Common Shortcut Keys for Excel

20 Basic Shortcut Keys for Excel

20 Advanced Shortcut Keys for Excel

Why Excel Shortcut Keys Are Not Working?

In some cases, a certain shortcut key may not work on your computer.

In the following section, we are going to discuss the most common 5 possible reasons for it. If none of the following solutions work for you, then there are possibilities that you have a hardware issue with your computer keyboard.

So let’s get started.

1. Alter the functions of the F1 to F12 Keys

From F1 to F12 keys, they perform various functions in Microsoft Excel. For example, the F2 key enables editing a particular cell, and F9 calculates the values of the formula or part of a formula.

On most recent computers, especially laptops, these keys are used as media keys such as to increase/decrease volume, increase/decrease brightness, mute, etc.

In this case, pressing any key from F1 to F12 may trigger these media functionalities rather than performing a specific task on MS Excel.

If the scenario is so, Excel shortcut keys might not work. To solve this problem, you can try any of the following solutions.

Solutions:

• Press the Fn key before any of the keys from F1 to F12. For example, if pressing only the F2 key doesn’t enable editing a cell then press Fn + F2. This will work properly.
• Lock your media keys. Find the command for locking up your media keys or you can simply google it. For example, Fn + Esc locks up the media keys in some keyboards.
• Alter your media keys. To do that, restart your computer and go to the BIOS settings. There you will find options to alter your media keys with some other keys.

2. Modify Language Bar Settings

Using multiple language inputs can grasp some of the keys from your keyboard. All you need to do is, alter the keys for the Language Bar Settings. This is how you can free some of the keys that you have already been using as Excel shortcut keys.

3. Find the Shortcuts for Your Own Keyboard Layout

All the shortcuts discussed in this article, are based on the Standard US Keyboard Layout.

If you are using a different keyboard layout, such as Dutch, French, or any other non-English keyboard layout, then the shortcut keys may differ.

4. Windows and Mac Keyboard Shortcut Keys are not the Same

All the keyboard shortcut keys discussed in this article are only applicable to the Windows operating system. If you are a Mac user, the keyboard shortcuts will definitely be different.

In general, the CTRL key on Windows is replaced by a CMD key on a Mac. For example, to copy text, CTRL + C is used on Windows. Whereas on a Mac computer, the shortcut key to copy a text is CMD + C.

5. Check Program Trolls

Some programs out of your all-installed programs can take over some of your shortcut keys. These programs are known as Program Trolls.

For example, Lightshot is a program to take screenshots. This program automatically grasps the PtrScr key on the keyboard as a shortcut key.

If you have a program troll, such as Lightshot, some of your Excel shortcut keys might be already taken away. As a result, they may not work as you press them.

Conclusion

Excel is a versatile tool, and knowing the right shortcuts can make a world of difference in your productivity. These 65 essential shortcut keys cover various aspects of Excel, from navigation and selection to data handling and formula creation. With the free PDF download, you’ll have a valuable resource at your fingertips to enhance your Excel skills. So, start using these shortcuts and take your Excel proficiency to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is F1 f2 F3 F4 F5 F6 f7 f8 f9 f10 F11 F12 in Excel?

In Excel, the function keys F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, and F12 serve various functions:

• F1: Opens Excel’s Help feature, allowing you to search for assistance and information.
• F2: Activates the cell’s editing mode, enabling you to modify its contents.
• F3: Displays the “Paste Name” dialog box for using defined names in formulas.
• F4: Repeats the last action you performed in Excel, which can be a time-saving feature.
• F5: Opens the “Go To” dialog, allowing you to navigate to a specific cell or range.
• F6: Cycles through different elements within Excel, such as cells, the formula bar, and task panes.
• F7: Initiates the spellcheck feature, highlighting potential spelling and grammar errors in the active worksheet.
• F8: Activates the “Extend Selection” mode, useful for selecting cells or ranges in a non-contiguous manner.
• F9: Recalculates all formulas in the workbook, particularly handy when working with manual calculation settings.
• F10: Activates the Ribbon’s keytips, making it easier to access Excel’s commands using keyboard shortcuts.
• F11: Creates a chart based on the selected data, providing a quick way to visualize your information.
• F12: Opens the “Save As” dialog box, allowing you to save the current workbook with a different file name or format.

What is Ctrl +T in Excel?

In Excel, pressing Ctrl + T is a keyboard shortcut that creates a table from a selected range of data. Excel automatically applies formatting, filters, and structured references to the table, making it easier to manage and analyze data efficiently.