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
| Serial No. | Shortcut Keys | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ctrl + C | Copies the content of a selected cell. |
| 2. | Ctrl + V | Pastes contents from the clipboard. |
| 3. | Ctrl + X | Cuts and copies the contents of a selected cell. |
| 4. | Ctrl + A | Selects all the cells in a workbook. |
| 5. | Ctrl + F | Opens the Find dialog box. |
| 6. | Ctrl + G | Opens the Go To dialog box. |
| 7. | Ctrl + H | Opens the Find and Replace dialog box. |
| 8. | Ctrl + K | Inserts a hyperlink in a selected text. |
| 9. | Ctrl + L | Opens the Create Table dialog box. |
| 10. | Ctrl + P | Avails the Print window to print a worksheet. |
| 11. | Ctrl + W | Closes the current workbook. |
| 12. | Ctrl + Z | Reverses the last action. |
| 13. | Ctrl + 1 | Opens the Format Cells dialog box. |
| 14. | Ctrl + – | Deletes the selected columns or rows. |
| 15. | Ctrl + Space | Selects an entire column. |
| 15. | Shift + Space | Selects an entire row. |
| 16. | Ctrl + Home | Redirects to cell A1. |
| 17. | Alt | Displays the access keys. |
| 18. | Tab | Moves to the next cell. |
| 19. | F2 | Enables editing a cell. |
| 20. | Esc | Cancels out an entry. |
| 21. | Enter | Executes an entry in a cell and moves to the next cell. |
| 22. | Alt + Enter | Starts a new line in the current cell. |
| 23. | F1 | Opens the Microsoft Excel help. |
| 24. | Ctrl + F4 | Closes Microsoft Excel. |
| 25. | Alt +F8 | Opens the Macro window. |
20 Basic Shortcut Keys for Excel
| Serial No. | Shortcut Keys | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ctrl + N | Creates a new Excel Workbook. |
| 2. | Ctrl + O | Opens an existing workbook. |
| 3. | Ctrl + S | Saves a workbook. |
| 4. | Ctrl + A | Selects all the cells in the opened workbook. |
| 5. | Ctrl + B | Makes the contents bold of a selected cell. |
| 6. | Ctrl + C | Copies the contents of a selected cell. |
| 7. | Ctrl + D | Fills up a selected cell with the contents of its upper cell. |
| 8. | Ctrl + F | Opens up the Find dialog box to search for anything inside the current workbook. |
| 9. | Ctrl + G | Opens up the Go To dialog box. |
| 10. | Ctrl + H | Opens up the Find and Replace dialog box. |
| 11. | Ctrl + I | Italicizes your text. |
| 12. | Ctrl + K | Inserts hyperlink within a text. |
| 13. | Ctrl + L | Opens up the Create Table dialog box. |
| 14. | Ctrl + P | Brings up the Print window to print a workbook. |
| 15. | Ctrl + R | Fills up the selected cells with the contents of the left cell. |
| 15. | Ctrl + U | Adds up an underline to the selected text. |
| 16. | Ctrl + V | Pastes your copied data from the clipboard. |
| 17. | Ctrl + W | Closes down a running workbook. |
| 18. | Ctrl + – | Deletes a selected row or column. |
| 19. | Ctrl + Z | Reverses the last action. |
| 20. | Ctrl + 1 | Opens up the Format Cells dialog box. |
20 Advanced Shortcut Keys for Excel
| Serial No. | Shortcut Keys | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ctrl + Shift + : | Inserts the current time into a cell. |
| 2. | Ctrl + ; | Inserts the current date into a cell. |
| 3. | Ctrl + ` | Displays the formula used in a cell. |
| 4. | Ctrl + Shift + = | Inserts extra columns or rows. |
| 5. | Ctrl + Shift + ~ | Switches between displaying formulas used in a cell and the cell value. |
| 6. | Ctrl + Shift + @ | Applies time formatting. |
| 7. | Ctrl + Shift + # | Applies date formatting. |
| 8. | Ctrl + Shift + % | Applies percentage formatting. |
| 9. | Ctrl + Shift + & | Applies borders around the selected cell. |
| 10. | Ctrl + Shift + _ | Removes the border from the selected cell. |
| 11. | Ctrl + Spacebar | Highlights an entire column. |
| 12. | Ctrl + Shift + Spacebar | Selects an entire workbook. |
| 13. | Ctrl + Home | Navigates back to cell A1. |
| 14. | Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Jumps into the previous workbook. |
| 15. | Ctrl + Up arrow | Jumps into the top-most cell in a selected column. |
| 15. | Ctrl + Down arrow | Jumps into the last cell in a selected column. |
| 16. | Ctrl + Right arrow | Jumps into the last cell in a selected row. |
| 17. | Ctrl + Left arrow | Jumps into the first cell in a selected row. |
| 18. | Ctrl + End | Navigates to the last cell in a workbook. |
| 19. | Ctrl + F1 | Expands and collapses the main ribbon. |
| 20. | Shift + Space | Selects an entire row. |
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.
