200+ Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel

Q: What is the shortcut to select a whole column or row in Excel?

Press Ctrl + Space to select the entire column and Shift + Space to select the entire row. Ctrl + A selects the current block of data, and pressing it again selects the whole sheet.

Q: How do I insert today's date with a shortcut?

Press Ctrl + ; to type today's date and Ctrl + Shift + ; to type the current time. Both are fixed values. Use =TODAY() or =NOW() if the date should update by itself.

Q: How can I use the Ribbon without a mouse?

Press Alt to show a letter on every Ribbon tab and button, then type the letters in order. For example, Alt, H, O, I autofits the column width.

Microsoft Excel · Windows

Every Excel shortcut, one keystroke away.

A fast, searchable reference of 202+ verified keyboard shortcuts — the ones that actually save time. Search, filter by category, and tap any shortcut to copy it.

e.g.Ctrl+Shift+↓ orAlt→H→O→I

202+verified shortcuts

16categories

25to memorise first

Essential — learn first Productivity — big time-savers Advanced — power users + together → in sequence

★

Start here — the 25 to memorise first

If you learn nothing else, learn these. They pay off fastest for everyday work and make everything below feel like an upgrade rather than a list to grind through.

#	Shortcut	Action	Why remember it
01	`Ctrl`+`C`	Copy	Reuse a value or formula anywhere without retyping it.
02	`Ctrl`+`V`	Paste	The other half of every copy — pastes what you last copied.
03	`Ctrl`+`X`	Cut	Move data instead of duplicating it.
04	`Ctrl`+`Z`	Undo	Your safety net — instantly reverse a mistake.
05	`Ctrl`+`Y`	Redo	Bring back something you undid by accident.
06	`Ctrl`+`S`	Save	The habit that saves you from lost work.
07	`Ctrl`+`Arrow`	Jump to edge	Fly to the end of your data instead of scrolling.
08	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Arrow`	Select to edge	Select a whole column of data in one keystroke.
09	`Ctrl`+`Home`	Go to A1	Snap back to the top-left corner from anywhere.
10	`Ctrl`+`End`	Go to last cell	Jump to the bottom-right of your used range.
11	`F2`	Edit cell	Edit in place without reaching for the mouse.
12	`F4`	Repeat / lock reference	Repeats the last action, or toggles $ in a formula.
13	`Ctrl`+`Enter`	Fill selection	Type once, fill every selected cell at once.
14	`Alt`+`Enter`	New line in cell	Add a line break inside a single cell.
15	`Ctrl`+`;`	Insert date	Stamp today's date as a fixed value.
16	`Ctrl`+`D`	Fill down	Copy the cell above down a whole selection.
17	`Ctrl`+`1`	Format Cells	Open the master formatting dialog for anything selected.
18	`Ctrl`+`B`	Bold	The fastest formatting toggle you'll use daily.
19	`Alt`+`=`	AutoSum	Total a column or row in a single keystroke.
20	`Ctrl`+`T`	Create Table	Turn a range into a structured, filterable Table.
21	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`L`	Toggle filters	Add or remove filter buttons on your data.
22	`Ctrl`+`F`	Find	Locate any value in a large sheet instantly.
23	`Ctrl`+`H`	Replace	Swap one value for another across a sheet.
24	`Ctrl`+`Page Down`	Next sheet	Move between worksheets without clicking tabs.
25	`Ctrl`+`	Show formulas	See every formula on the sheet at once (toggle).

Essential Shortcuts

These are the shortcuts every Excel user should know first. They cover the commands you touch dozens of times an hour — saving, undoing, copying, and finding. Learn this handful and you will already feel faster.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`S`	Save	Saves the current workbook.	Save after every meaningful change.
`F12`	Save As	Opens the Save As dialog to save a new copy.	Save a v2 without overwriting the original.
`Ctrl`+`O`	Open	Opens the Open dialog / Open backstage.	Open a recent file quickly.
`Ctrl`+`N`	New workbook	Creates a new blank workbook.	Start a fresh file instantly.
`Ctrl`+`P`	Print	Opens the Print backstage with preview.	Check the print preview before printing.
`Ctrl`+`W`	Close workbook	Closes the active workbook (keeps Excel open).	Close one file among several.
`Ctrl`+`F4`	Close workbook window	Closes the active workbook window.	Same result as Ctrl + W in most setups.
`Alt`+`F4`	Close Excel	Closes Excel entirely.	Quit the app when you're done.
`Ctrl`+`Z`	Undo	Reverses your last action(s).	Undo an accidental delete.
`Ctrl`+`Y`	Redo	Re-applies an action you just undid.	Redo after undoing one step too many.
`Ctrl`+`C`	Copy	Copies the selection to the clipboard.	Copy a formula to reuse elsewhere.
`Ctrl`+`X`	Cut	Cuts the selection (move on paste).	Move a block of data to a new spot.
`Ctrl`+`V`	Paste	Pastes clipboard content.	Paste copied data into another range.
`Ctrl`+`F`	Find	Opens Find and Select → Find.	Locate a value in a huge sheet.
`Ctrl`+`H`	Replace	Opens Find and Select → Replace.	Change every 'NA' to 0 in seconds.
`Ctrl`+`A`	Select region / all	Selects the current data region; press again for the whole sheet. In an empty cell it selects the whole sheet immediately.	Select a full data block, then everything.
`Esc`	Cancel	Cancels the current entry or closes a dialog.	Abort a cell edit without saving it.
`F1`	Help	Opens Excel Help.	Look up a function you half-remember.

Navigation

Scrolling wastes time. These shortcuts let you jump across huge worksheets, hop to the edges of your data, and move between sheets without ever touching the scroll bar.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Arrow`	Move one cell	Moves the active cell one cell in any direction.	Step through cells precisely.
`Ctrl`+`Arrow`	Jump to edge of data	Jumps to the last non-empty cell in that direction.	Ctrl + Down leaps to the bottom of a column.
`Ctrl`+`Home`	Go to A1	Moves to the top-left cell (A1).	Return home from anywhere on the sheet.
`Ctrl`+`End`	Go to last used cell	Moves to the bottom-right of the used range.	See how far your data really extends.
`Home`	Start of row	Moves to column A of the current row.	Return to the first column of this row.
`Page Down`	Screen down	Scrolls down one screen.	Page through a long report.
`Page Up`	Screen up	Scrolls up one screen.	Page back up quickly.
`Alt`+`Page Down`	Screen right	Scrolls one screen to the right.	Move across a very wide sheet.
`Alt`+`Page Up`	Screen left	Scrolls one screen to the left.	Move back left across wide data.
`Ctrl`+`Page Down`	Next worksheet	Activates the next sheet tab.	Flip through monthly tabs.
`Ctrl`+`Page Up`	Previous worksheet	Activates the previous sheet tab.	Go back one tab.
`Tab`	Move right	Confirms entry and moves one cell right.	Enter a row of data left to right.
`Shift`+`Tab`	Move left	Moves one cell left.	Step back to the previous field.
`Ctrl`+`G`	Go To	Opens the Go To dialog (also F5).	Jump straight to cell Z500.
`F5`	Go To	Opens the Go To dialog (same as Ctrl + G).	Type a cell or range to jump to it.
`Ctrl`+`Backspace`	Scroll to active cell	Scrolls the window back to the active cell.	Snap the view back after scrolling away.
`End`→`Arrow`	Edge of data (End mode)	Turns on End mode, then an arrow jumps to the edge. End mode is shown in the status bar.	An alternative to Ctrl + Arrow.
`Ctrl`+`.`	Next corner of selection	Moves to the next corner of the selected range.	Cycle the four corners of a big selection.
`F6`	Switch panes / areas	Moves focus between the sheet, Ribbon, and task pane.	Jump to the Ribbon without the mouse.
`Shift`+`F6`	Switch panes (reverse)	Moves focus in the reverse direction.	Cycle back through screen areas.

Selection

Selecting data by dragging is slow and error-prone. These keystrokes let you grab exactly the cells you want — a column, a row, a data region, or the whole sheet — in a single motion.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Shift`+`Arrow`	Extend by one cell	Grows the selection one cell at a time.	Fine-tune a selection precisely.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Arrow`	Select to edge	Extends the selection to the edge of the data region.	Select a whole column of values at once.
`Shift`+`Space`	Select row	Selects the entire row(s) of the active cell.	Grab a full row to format or delete.
`Ctrl`+`Space`	Select column	Selects the entire column(s) of the active cell.	Grab a full column in one keystroke.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`*`	Select current region	Selects the whole contiguous block around the active cell. Ctrl + Shift + 8 on the main keyboard.	Select a data island without headers guesswork.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Home`	Extend to A1	Extends the selection back to cell A1.	Select everything up to the top-left.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`End`	Extend to last cell	Extends the selection to the last used cell.	Select from here to the end of the data.
`Shift`+`Home`	Extend to row start	Extends the selection to column A of the row.	Select from here back to column A.
`Shift`+`Page Down`	Extend screen down	Extends the selection one screen down.	Select a screenful quickly.
`Shift`+`Page Up`	Extend screen up	Extends the selection one screen up.	Select a screenful upward.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Space`	Select worksheet	Selects the entire worksheet. Inside a Table it selects the Table instead.	Select everything to clear or format.
`F8`	Extend Selection mode	Toggles a mode where arrows extend the selection.	Extend without holding Shift.
`Shift`+`F8`	Add to Selection	Lets you add non-adjacent cells to the selection.	Build a multi-area selection with the keyboard.
`Alt`+`;`	Select visible cells only	Selects only the visible cells in a range.	Copy filtered rows without the hidden ones.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`O`	Select cells with notes	Selects all cells that contain notes/comments.	Audit every note on a sheet at once.

Why it matters Ctrl+Shift+Arrow

What it does. Selects cells from the active cell to the edge of the current data region.

Why it’s useful. Far faster — and safer — than dragging the mouse through hundreds or thousands of rows, where it's easy to overshoot or stop short.

Example. If A2 has data and A1000 is the last filled cell, click A2 and press Ctrl + Shift + Down to select A2:A1000 instantly.

Data Entry

Fast, accurate typing is the heart of everyday Excel work. These shortcuts speed up entering values, filling ranges, stamping dates, and confirming your input the way you actually want.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Enter`	Confirm, move down	Commits the entry and moves down.	Type a column of numbers top to bottom.
`Tab`	Confirm, move right	Commits the entry and moves right.	Type a row of data left to right.
`Shift`+`Enter`	Confirm, move up	Commits the entry and moves up.	Correct the cell above after over-typing.
`Alt`+`Enter`	New line in a cell	Inserts a line break inside the same cell.	Put an address on two lines in one cell.
`Ctrl`+`Enter`	Fill selection	Confirms the entry into every selected cell.	Type one label into 50 selected cells at once.
`F2`	Edit cell	Enters edit mode with the cursor at the end.	Tweak a long formula in place.
`Ctrl`+`;`	Insert date	Inserts today's date as a static value.	Stamp a record with today's date.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`;`	Insert time	Inserts the current time as a static value.	Log the exact time of an entry.
`Ctrl`+`D`	Fill down	Copies the cell above into the selection below.	Copy a formula down a selected range.
`Ctrl`+`R`	Fill right	Copies the cell on the left across the selection.	Extend a formula across columns.
`Ctrl`+`'`	Copy formula from above	Copies the formula from the cell above (edit mode).	Reuse the formula above, then adjust it.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`"`	Copy value from above	Copies the value (not formula) from the cell above.	Pull down the result without the formula.
`Ctrl`+`E`	Flash Fill	Fills a column by detecting your example pattern.	Split full names into first names automatically.
`Alt`+`=`	AutoSum	Inserts a SUM for the adjacent range.	Total a column instantly.
`Alt`+`↓`	Open drop-down list	Opens the data-validation or AutoComplete list.	Pick from a validation list without the mouse.
`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`V`	Paste Special	Opens the Paste Special dialog.	Paste values, formats, or transpose.
`Delete`	Clear contents	Clears the contents of the selected cells.	Empty cells while keeping their formatting.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Enter`	Enter as array (legacy)	Enters a legacy CSE array formula. Legacy — modern dynamic arrays don't need this.	Older array formulas before dynamic arrays.

Why it matters Ctrl+Enter

What it does. Enters your value or formula into every cell in the selection at once, instead of only the active cell.

Why it’s useful. Fills a whole selection in one motion — no copy, no drag — and keeps the same relative formula working in each cell.

Example. Select a scattered set of blank cells, type 0, and press Ctrl + Enter to fill them all with 0 in one go.

Formatting

Consistent formatting makes a spreadsheet readable and trustworthy. These shortcuts apply bold, borders, number and currency formats, and open the full Format Cells dialog — all without leaving the keyboard.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`B`	Bold	Toggles bold on the selection.	Emphasise a total row.
`Ctrl`+`I`	Italic	Toggles italic.	Italicise a note or caption.
`Ctrl`+`U`	Underline	Toggles underline.	Underline a heading.
`Ctrl`+`5`	Strikethrough	Toggles strikethrough.	Cross off a completed line item.
`Ctrl`+`1`	Format Cells	Opens the full Format Cells dialog.	Access every formatting option in one place.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F`	Format Cells: Font	Opens Format Cells with the Font tab selected.	Jump straight to font settings.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`~`	General format	Applies the General number format. The ~ key (top-left, with the backtick).	Strip a number back to plain.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`1`	Number format	Applies number format with 2 decimals and thousands separator.	Format 1000000 as 1,000,000.00.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`2`	Time format	Applies the h:mm AM/PM time format.	Show a value as a clock time.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`3`	Date format	Applies the dd-mmm-yy date format.	Format a serial number as a date.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`4`	Currency format	Applies the currency format.	Show figures with a currency symbol.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`5`	Percent format	Applies the percentage format.	Turn 0.25 into 25%.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`6`	Scientific format	Applies scientific (exponential) format.	Display very large numbers compactly.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`&`	Outline border	Adds an outline border around the selection.	Box in a summary block.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`_`	Remove borders	Removes all borders from the selection.	Clear borders you no longer want.
`Alt`+`H`→`H`	Fill colour	Opens the cell fill-colour picker (Ribbon).	Highlight cells with a background colour.
`Alt`+`H`→`F`→`C`	Font colour	Opens the font-colour picker (Ribbon).	Colour text red for a warning.
`Alt`+`H`→`B`	Borders menu	Opens the borders drop-down (Ribbon).	Pick a specific border style.
`Alt`+`H`→`W`	Wrap Text	Toggles text wrapping in the cell (Ribbon).	Show long text on multiple lines.
`Alt`+`H`→`M`→`C`	Merge & Centre	Merges the selected cells and centres (Ribbon).	Centre a title across columns.
`Alt`+`H`→`A`→`C`	Centre align	Centres content horizontally (Ribbon).	Centre a header row.
`Alt`+`H`→`A`→`L`	Align left	Left-aligns content (Ribbon).	Left-align a text column.
`Alt`+`H`→`A`→`R`	Align right	Right-aligns content (Ribbon).	Right-align a number column.
`Alt`+`H`→`E`→`F`	Clear formats	Clears formatting but keeps the values (Ribbon).	Reset messy formatting on a range.

Rows & Columns

Reshaping a sheet — inserting, deleting, hiding, and grouping rows and columns — is constant work. These shortcuts do it without right-click menus.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`+`	Insert	Opens Insert, or inserts a row/column if one is selected. Plus is the + key (Ctrl + Shift + =).	Select a row, then insert above it.
`Ctrl`+`−`	Delete	Opens Delete, or deletes the selected row/column.	Delete an entire selected row.
`Ctrl`+`Space`	Select column	Selects the whole column.	Select before inserting or deleting.
`Shift`+`Space`	Select row	Selects the whole row.	Select before inserting or deleting.
`Ctrl`+`9`	Hide rows	Hides the selected rows.	Hide detail rows in a report.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`9`	Unhide rows	Unhides rows within the selection.	Reveal hidden rows again.
`Ctrl`+`0`	Hide columns	Hides the selected columns.	Hide a helper column.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`0`	Unhide columns	Unhides columns within the selection. Disabled by default on many Windows PCs; may need enabling.	Reveal hidden columns.
`Alt`+`Shift`+`→`	Group	Groups the selected rows or columns.	Create a collapsible outline.
`Alt`+`Shift`+`←`	Ungroup	Ungroups the selected rows or columns.	Remove an outline grouping.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`I`	AutoFit column width	Fits column width to the content (Ribbon).	Reveal truncated text in a column.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`A`	AutoFit row height	Fits row height to the content (Ribbon).	Show wrapped text fully.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`W`	Column Width	Opens the Column Width dialog (Ribbon).	Set an exact column width.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`H`	Row Height	Opens the Row Height dialog (Ribbon).	Set an exact row height.
`Alt`+`H`→`I`→`R`	Insert sheet rows	Inserts rows (Ribbon).	Add blank rows above the selection.
`Alt`+`H`→`I`→`C`	Insert sheet columns	Inserts columns (Ribbon).	Add blank columns to the left.
`Alt`+`H`→`D`→`R`	Delete sheet rows	Deletes rows (Ribbon).	Remove selected rows.
`Alt`+`H`→`D`→`C`	Delete sheet columns	Deletes columns (Ribbon).	Remove selected columns.

Worksheets & Workbooks

Real work spans many sheets and files. These shortcuts add and manage worksheets and let you switch between open workbooks without the mouse.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Shift`+`F11`	Insert worksheet	Inserts a new worksheet.	Add a fresh tab for new data.
`Ctrl`+`Page Down`	Next sheet	Moves to the next worksheet.	Flip forward through tabs.
`Ctrl`+`Page Up`	Previous sheet	Moves to the previous worksheet.	Flip back through tabs.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Page Down`	Select next sheet too	Adds the next sheet to the selection (group sheets).	Group tabs to edit them together.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Page Up`	Select previous sheet too	Adds the previous sheet to the selection.	Group tabs backwards.
`Alt`+`H`→`D`→`S`	Delete sheet	Deletes the active worksheet (Ribbon).	Remove an unwanted tab.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`R`	Rename sheet	Starts renaming the active sheet (Ribbon).	Rename 'Sheet1' to 'Jan'.
`Alt`+`H`→`O`→`M`	Move or Copy sheet	Opens the Move/Copy Sheet dialog (Ribbon).	Duplicate a template tab.
`Ctrl`+`Tab`	Next workbook	Switches to the next open workbook.	Jump between two open files.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab`	Previous workbook	Switches to the previous open workbook.	Cycle back through open files.
`Ctrl`+`F6`	Next window	Moves to the next workbook window.	Alternative workbook switch.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F6`	Previous window	Moves to the previous workbook window.	Cycle windows backwards.
`Ctrl`+`F9`	Minimise window	Minimises the workbook window.	Tuck a workbook out of the way.
`Ctrl`+`F10`	Maximise / restore	Maximises or restores the workbook window.	Toggle window size.
`Ctrl`+`F5`	Restore window size	Restores the workbook window's previous size.	Un-maximise a window.
`Ctrl`+`F7`	Move window	Starts the Move command; use arrows, then Enter.	Reposition a non-maximised window.
`Ctrl`+`F8`	Size window	Starts the Size command; use arrows, then Enter.	Resize a non-maximised window.

Formulas

Formulas are where Excel earns its keep. These shortcuts speed up writing, editing, auditing, and recalculating them. Pay special attention to F4 — it does more than one thing depending on context.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`=`	Start a formula	Begins a formula in the active cell.	Type = to start any calculation.
`F2`	Edit formula	Edits the active cell's formula.	Fix a formula without retyping it.
`F4`	Toggle reference / repeat	In a formula, cycles $ absolute/relative; otherwise repeats the last action. See the F4 explainer below — its behaviour depends on context.	Turn A1 into $A$1, or repeat a format.
`F9`	Calculate now	Recalculates all open workbooks; in edit mode, evaluates the selected part.	Check what a formula fragment returns.
`Shift`+`F9`	Calculate sheet	Recalculates only the active worksheet.	Recalc one heavy sheet.
`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F9`	Full recalculation	Forces a full recalculation of all workbooks.	Force a stubborn model to refresh.
`Ctrl`+`	Show Formulas	Toggles between showing formulas and results. The ` key sits above Tab (grave accent).	Audit every formula on the sheet.
`Shift`+`F3`	Insert Function	Opens the Insert Function dialog.	Browse for a function you don't recall.
`Ctrl`+`A` (in a function)	Function Arguments	Opens the Function Arguments dialog when the cursor follows a function name.	Fill VLOOKUP arguments in a guided box.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`A`	Insert argument names	Inserts argument names and parentheses after a function name.	Type =VLOOKUP then reveal its arguments.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`U`	Expand formula bar	Expands or collapses the formula bar.	See a long formula on several lines.
`Ctrl`+`/`	Select the array	Selects the whole array that contains the active cell.	Grab an entire spilled/array range.
`F3`	Paste Name	Pastes a defined name into the formula. Only when defined names exist.	Insert a named range while typing.
`Ctrl`+`[`	Select precedents	Selects cells the formula directly refers to.	Jump to a formula's inputs.
`Ctrl`+`]`	Select dependents	Selects cells that refer to the active cell.	Find what a value feeds into.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`{`	All precedents	Selects all direct and indirect precedents.	Trace an input back through the model.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`}`	All dependents	Selects all direct and indirect dependents.	See everything a cell affects.
`Alt`+`M`→`P`	Trace Precedents	Draws arrows to a formula's precedents (Ribbon).	Visualise where inputs come from.
`Alt`+`M`→`D`	Trace Dependents	Draws arrows to dependents (Ribbon).	Visualise what a cell feeds.
`Alt`+`M`→`A`→`A`	Remove Arrows	Removes all auditing arrows (Ribbon).	Clear the arrows after auditing.

Why it matters F4

What it does. F4 does two different jobs depending on what you're doing. While editing a formula with the cursor on a cell reference, it cycles the reference through $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 → A1. Outside edit mode, it repeats your last action.

Why it’s useful. One key both locks references for copying formulas and repeats a format or insert across the sheet — two of the most common time-savers in Excel.

Example. Type =B2*$E$1, then select B2 and tap F4 to lock it to $B$2. Or bold one cell, select another, and press F4 to bold it too.

Find, Replace & Go To

Finding the right cells is half the battle in a big workbook. Beyond simple Find and Replace, Go To Special lets you select blanks, formulas, or constants in one step — a genuine productivity multiplier.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`F`	Find	Opens the Find dialog.	Search for a customer name.
`Ctrl`+`H`	Replace	Opens the Replace dialog.	Replace all '#N/A' with blanks.
`Ctrl`+`G`	Go To	Opens the Go To dialog.	Jump to a named range or address.
`F5`	Go To	Opens the Go To dialog (same as Ctrl + G).	Type a destination and jump.
`F5`→`Alt`+`S`	Go To Special	Opens Go To Special from the Go To dialog.	Select all blanks or all formulas.
`Alt`+`H`→`F`→`D`→`S`	Go To Special (Ribbon)	Opens Go To Special from the Ribbon.	Same dialog via Find & Select.
`Shift`+`F4`	Find Next	Repeats the last Find (forward).	Cycle through matches after closing Find.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F4`	Find Previous	Repeats the last Find (backward).	Step back through matches.
`Alt`+`;`	Select visible cells	Selects visible cells only (useful with Go To Special).	Copy only what's visible after filtering.

Tables & Data

Excel Tables (Ctrl + T) give your data structured references, automatic formatting, and built-in filters. These shortcuts help you create Tables and move around structured data efficiently.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`T`	Create Table	Converts the range into an Excel Table.	Turn a plain range into a filterable Table.
`Ctrl`+`L`	Create Table	Same as Ctrl + T (older shortcut).	Alternative Create Table shortcut.
`Ctrl`+`Space`	Select Table column	Selects the column data; press again to include the header.	Select just the data in a Table column.
`Shift`+`Space`	Select Table row	Selects the current Table row.	Grab one record in a Table.
`Ctrl`+`A`	Select Table	Selects the Table data, then the whole Table.	Select the body, then headers too.
`Tab`	Next Table cell	Moves to the next cell; adds a new row at the end.	Type a new record and Tab off to add another.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`L`	Toggle filters	Turns filter buttons on or off.	Add filters to a plain range.
`Alt`+`↓`	Open filter menu	Opens the filter drop-down on a header cell.	Filter a column from the keyboard.
`Ctrl`+`End`	Last Table cell	Jumps to the last cell of the used range.	Check the extent of a large Table.

Filtering & Sorting

Filtering and sorting turn a wall of data into answers. Excel has genuine keyboard shortcuts to toggle filters and open filter menus; sorting is mostly driven through fast Ribbon (Alt) sequences, shown clearly below.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`L`	Toggle AutoFilter	Turns filter buttons on or off.	Enable filtering on a data range.
`Alt`+`↓`	Open filter menu	Opens the filter menu on the selected header. In the menu, arrows navigate, Space toggles, Enter applies.	Choose which values to show.
`Alt`+`A`→`C`	Clear all filters	Clears every filter on the data (Ribbon).	Reset the view to show all rows.
`Alt`+`A`→`T`	Toggle Filter (Data tab)	Turns filters on/off via the Data tab (Ribbon).	Same as Ctrl + Shift + L.
`Alt`+`A`→`S`→`A`	Sort A → Z	Sorts the selected column ascending (Ribbon).	Sort names alphabetically.
`Alt`+`A`→`S`→`D`	Sort Z → A	Sorts the selected column descending (Ribbon).	Sort amounts largest first.
`Alt`+`A`→`S`→`S`	Open Sort dialog	Opens the multi-level Sort dialog (Ribbon).	Sort by region, then by sales.

Charts

Excel has only a few dedicated chart shortcuts, but the ones it has are worth knowing — you can build a chart from a selection in a single keystroke and format any element with Ctrl + 1.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Alt`+`F1`	Chart on this sheet	Creates a default chart on the current sheet.	Chart a selected range in one keystroke.
`F11`	Chart on new sheet	Creates a chart on its own chart sheet.	Make a full-page chart instantly.
`Ctrl`+`1`	Format element	Opens the Format pane for the selected chart element.	Format the selected axis or series.
`Arrow`	Cycle chart elements	With a chart selected, moves between its elements.	Select the legend, then a series.
`Tab`or`Shift`+`Tab`	Cycle objects	Cycles through objects/charts on the sheet.	Select each floating chart in turn.
`Arrow` (object selected)	Nudge chart	Moves a selected chart object slightly.	Position a chart precisely.
`Esc`	Deselect	Deselects the current chart element or chart.	Step back out of a chart.
`Delete`	Delete element	Deletes the selected chart or element.	Remove a gridline or the chart itself.

PivotTables

PivotTables summarise thousands of rows in seconds. There are fewer dedicated shortcuts here, so this section is honest about which are true shortcuts and which are fast Ribbon (Alt) sequences.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Alt`+`N`→`V`	Insert PivotTable	Opens the Create PivotTable dialog (Ribbon).	Build a pivot from a selected range.
`Alt`+`F5`	Refresh	Refreshes the active PivotTable / query.	Update a pivot after the source changes.
`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F5`	Refresh All	Refreshes every PivotTable and query.	Update the whole workbook's data.
`Alt`+`↓`	Open field menu	Opens the filter/label menu on a pivot field.	Filter a Row or Column field.
`Alt`+`Shift`+`→`	Group items	Groups the selected pivot items.	Group dates into quarters.
`Alt`+`Shift`+`←`	Ungroup items	Ungroups the selected pivot items.	Undo a grouping.
`Ctrl`+`A`	Select PivotTable	Selects the whole PivotTable (from inside it).	Select the pivot to copy or format.
`Shift`+`F10`	Context menu	Opens the right-click menu for pivot options. Or the dedicated Menu key if your keyboard has one.	Reach Field Settings without a mouse.

The Ribbon & Alt Keys

Not every command has a dedicated shortcut — but every command on the Ribbon can be reached with the Alt key. Press Alt (or F10) and Excel overlays letters (KeyTips) on the Ribbon; type them in sequence to run any command.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Alt`	Show KeyTips	Displays access-key letters over the Ribbon.	Reveal the letter for any command.
`F10`	Show KeyTips	Same as Alt — shows the Ribbon access keys.	Alternative to the Alt key.
`Alt`→`F`	File (Backstage)	Opens the File menu.	Reach Save As, Print, Options.
`Alt`→`H`	Home tab	Opens the Home tab KeyTips.	Formatting, clipboard, cells.
`Alt`→`N`	Insert tab	Opens the Insert tab KeyTips.	Tables, charts, PivotTables.
`Alt`→`P`	Page Layout tab	Opens the Page Layout tab KeyTips.	Margins, print area, themes.
`Alt`→`M`	Formulas tab	Opens the Formulas tab KeyTips.	Function library, auditing.
`Alt`→`A`	Data tab	Opens the Data tab KeyTips.	Sort, filter, Get Data.
`Alt`→`R`	Review tab	Opens the Review tab KeyTips.	Spelling, comments, protection.
`Alt`→`W`	View tab	Opens the View tab KeyTips.	Freeze panes, zoom, views.
`Alt`+`Number`	Quick Access Toolbar	Runs the QAT button in that position.	Alt + 1 runs your first QAT button.

Advanced Shortcuts

Once the basics are second nature, these shortcuts unlock names, notes, panes, views, and the developer tools that power users rely on daily.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Ctrl`+`F3`	Name Manager	Opens the Name Manager.	Review and edit all defined names.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F3`	Create Names	Creates names from the selection's labels.	Name columns from their headers at once.
`Alt`+`M`→`M`→`D`	Define Name	Opens the New Name dialog (Ribbon).	Name a range for readable formulas.
`Shift`+`F2`	Insert / edit Note	Adds or edits a cell note. Threaded-comment behaviour varies by version.	Attach a note explaining a number.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F2`	Insert / reply Comment	Adds or replies to a threaded comment. Modern (threaded-comment) builds of Excel.	Start a review thread on a cell.
`Alt`+`A`→`V`→`V`	Data Validation	Opens the Data Validation dialog (Ribbon).	Restrict a cell to a drop-down list.
`Alt`+`W`→`F`→`F`	Freeze Panes	Freezes rows and columns above/left of the cell (Ribbon).	Keep headers visible while scrolling.
`Alt`+`W`→`F`→`R`	Freeze Top Row	Freezes just the top row (Ribbon).	Pin the header row.
`Alt`+`W`→`F`→`C`	Freeze First Column	Freezes just the first column (Ribbon).	Pin the labels column.
`Alt`+`W`→`L`	Normal view	Switches to Normal view (Ribbon).	Return from Page Break Preview.
`Alt`+`W`→`P`	Page Layout view	Switches to Page Layout view (Ribbon).	See headers/footers and page edges.
`Alt`+`W`→`I`	Page Break Preview	Switches to Page Break Preview (Ribbon).	Adjust where pages break for printing.
`Ctrl`+`F1`	Toggle the Ribbon	Collapses or expands the Ribbon.	Reclaim screen space.
`Ctrl`+`F2`	Print Preview	Opens Print Preview (Print backstage).	Check layout before printing.
`Alt`+`P`→`R`→`S`	Set Print Area	Sets the selection as the print area (Ribbon).	Print only the range you selected.
`Ctrl`+`K`	Insert Hyperlink	Opens the Insert Hyperlink dialog.	Link a cell to a file or website.
`Ctrl`+`Q`	Quick Analysis	Opens Quick Analysis for the selection.	Add totals, charts, or formatting fast.
`F7`	Spelling	Runs a spell check.	Proof text before sharing.
`Shift`+`F7`	Thesaurus	Opens the Thesaurus for the selected word.	Find a better word in a text cell.
`Alt`+`W`→`Q`	Zoom dialog	Opens the Zoom dialog (Ribbon).	Set an exact zoom level.
`Ctrl`+`6`	Show / hide objects	Cycles showing, hiding, and placeholders for objects.	Hide charts and shapes temporarily.
`Ctrl`+`8`	Toggle outline symbols	Shows or hides the outline (group) symbols.	Clean up a grouped sheet's view.
`Ctrl`+`\`	Select row differences	Selects cells in the row that differ from the active cell.	Spot mismatches across a row.
`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`\`	Select column differences	Selects cells in the column that differ from the active cell.	Spot mismatches down a column.
`Alt`+`F8`	Macros	Opens the Macro dialog to run/edit macros.	Run a recorded macro.
`Alt`+`F11`	VBA Editor	Opens the Visual Basic for Applications editor.	Write or edit macro code.

Power Query & Power Pivot

This is the honest section. Power Query and Power Pivot are largely mouse- and Ribbon-driven; they have very few dedicated keyboard shortcuts. Rather than invent any, this section shows what genuinely exists and says so plainly where nothing does.

Shortcut	Action	What it does	Example / use case
`Alt`+`F5`	Refresh query	Refreshes the selected query's results.	Reload a query after the source changes.
`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`F5`	Refresh All	Refreshes every query and PivotTable.	Update all loaded data at once.
`Alt`+`A`→`P`→`N`	Get Data	Opens the Get Data menu (Ribbon). Exact KeyTips can vary slightly by version.	Start a new query from a source.
`Enter`	Commit in the Editor	Confirms an entry/step in the Power Query Editor.	Confirm a renamed step.
`Esc`	Cancel in the Editor	Cancels the current edit in the Editor.	Back out of an edit.
—	Open Power Query Editor	No dedicated keyboard shortcut. No dedicated keyboard shortcut.	Use Data → Get Data → Launch Editor.
—	Add a Power Query step	No dedicated keyboard shortcut. No dedicated keyboard shortcut.	Use the Editor's Ribbon commands.
—	Manage the Data Model (Power Pivot)	No dedicated keyboard shortcut. No dedicated keyboard shortcut.	Use the Power Pivot tab on the Ribbon.

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Try a different word, or clear the filter to see all 202.

◆

Shortcuts in real tasks

Ten everyday jobs and the fastest keyboard route to each. Try them on your own data as you read — that’s how they stick.

Select a large data range without dragging

Instead of dragging from A2 to A5000, click A2 and press Ctrl+Shift+↓

Excel selects the continuous data range in an instant.

Jump to the bottom of a column

Click any cell in a filled column and press Ctrl+↓

You land on the last filled cell — no scrolling.

Fill a formula down a whole column

Enter your formula in the top cell, select down the column, then press Ctrl+D

The formula copies down, adjusting references as it goes.

Enter the same label into many cells

Select every target cell (Ctrl + click for scattered ones), type once, then press Ctrl+Enter

All selected cells receive the value at the same time.

Total a column in one keystroke

Click the empty cell just below your numbers and press Alt+=

AutoSum proposes the SUM range — press Enter to accept.

Copy only the visible rows after filtering

Select the filtered range, press Alt + ; to grab visible cells only, then Ctrl+C

Only the rows you can see are copied — hidden rows are ignored.

Stamp today's date as a fixed value

Click the cell and press Ctrl+;

The date is entered as text-like value, not a volatile formula.

Turn a plain range into a smart Table

Click anywhere in the data and press Ctrl+T

You get filters, banded rows, and structured references automatically.

See every formula on a sheet

Toggle formula view with Ctrl+`

Great for auditing — press again to return to results.

Lock a reference while building a formula

With the cursor on a reference in the formula bar, press F4

A1 becomes $A$1 so it won't shift when you copy the formula.

⇄

Chain them together

The real speed comes from stringing shortcuts into flows: navigate, then select; select, then format. Here are six worth building into muscle memory.

Navigate, then select

Ctrl+Arrow→Ctrl+Shift+Arrow

First jump to the edge to see where the data ends, then repeat with Shift held to select the whole run you just scouted.

Select a column, then format it

Ctrl+Space→Ctrl+1

Grab the entire column, then open Format Cells to apply a number or date format to all of it at once.

Go to the end, then select back to the start

Ctrl+End→Ctrl+Shift+Home

Land on the last used cell, then extend the selection all the way back to A1 to capture the entire used range.

Fill blanks in one pass

F5→Special→Blanks→type value→Ctrl+Enter

Select every blank in a range with Go To Special, then fill them all simultaneously with Ctrl + Enter.

Enter data, then lock the reference

F2→F4

Edit a formula, then tap F4 on a reference to switch it between relative and absolute without retyping.

Stamp a full timestamp

Ctrl+;→Space→Ctrl+Shift+;

Insert today's date, add a space, then insert the current time — a complete timestamp in one cell.

▤

Quick-reference cheat sheet

The most-used shortcuts, grouped for a fast scan. Bookmark this page and glance back until the keys are in your fingers.

Essentials

Ctrl+SSave
Ctrl+ZUndo
Ctrl+YRedo
Ctrl+CCopy
Ctrl+XCut
Ctrl+VPaste
Ctrl+FFind
Ctrl+HReplace

Navigation

Ctrl+ArrowJump to edge
Ctrl+HomeGo to A1
Ctrl+EndLast used cell
Ctrl+Page DownNext sheet
Ctrl+Page UpPrevious sheet
F5Go To

Selection

Ctrl+Shift+ArrowSelect to edge
Shift+SpaceSelect row
Ctrl+SpaceSelect column
Ctrl+Shift+*Current region
Alt+;Visible cells only
Ctrl+ARegion / all

Editing

F2Edit cell
Alt+EnterNew line in cell
Ctrl+EnterFill selection
Ctrl+DFill down
Ctrl+RFill right
Ctrl+EFlash Fill

Formatting

Ctrl+BBold
Ctrl+IItalic
Ctrl+UUnderline
Ctrl+1Format Cells
Ctrl+Shift+4Currency
Ctrl+Shift+5Percent

Formulas

F4Toggle $ / repeat
F9Calculate
Ctrl+`Show formulas
Shift+F3Insert Function
Ctrl+[Precedents
Alt+=AutoSum

Rows & Columns

Ctrl+Shift++Insert
Ctrl+−Delete
Ctrl+9Hide rows
Ctrl+0Hide columns
Shift+F11New sheet

Data

Ctrl+TCreate Table
Ctrl+Shift+LToggle filters
Alt+↓Open filter menu
Alt+F5Refresh
Alt+W+F+FFreeze Panes

Step-by-step shortcut tutorials

Prefer the long form? These guides walk through individual shortcuts one at a time, with screenshots and worked examples.

Watch: shortcuts in action

Two walkthroughs from the XL n CAD YouTube channel — start with the beginners’ set, then level up.

21 keyboard shortcuts for beginners

25 advanced Excel shortcuts

Function-key shortcuts Ctrl-key shortcuts Shift-key shortcuts Lesser-known shortcuts

Compiled by Ajay Anand · XL n CAD — 202 verified shortcuts, checked for Microsoft Excel for Windows. Excel & Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut to select a whole column or row in Excel?

Press Ctrl + Space to select the entire column and Shift + Space to select the entire row. Ctrl + A selects the current block of data, and pressing it again selects the whole sheet.

How do I insert today’s date with a shortcut?

Press Ctrl + ; to type today’s date and Ctrl + Shift + ; to type the current time. Both are fixed values. Use =TODAY() or =NOW() if the date should update by itself.

What does F4 do in Excel?

While you are editing a formula, F4 switches the selected reference between absolute and relative: $A$1, A$1, $A1 and A1. Outside a formula, F4 repeats your last action.

How can I use the Ribbon without a mouse?

Press Alt to show a letter on every Ribbon tab and button, then type the letters in order. For example, Alt, H, O, I autofits the column width.

Do these shortcuts work in Excel for Mac?

The shortcuts on this page are for Excel on Windows. On a Mac, many of them use Command in place of Ctrl, but the Alt key sequences and some function key shortcuts work differently.

200+ Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel

Start here — the 25 to memorise first

Essential Shortcuts

Navigation

Selection

Data Entry

Formatting

Rows & Columns

Worksheets & Workbooks

Formulas

Find, Replace & Go To

Tables & Data

Filtering & Sorting

Charts

PivotTables

The Ribbon & Alt Keys

Advanced Shortcuts

Power Query & Power Pivot

Shortcuts in real tasks

Chain them together

Quick-reference cheat sheet

Step-by-step shortcut tutorials

File & workbook

Number formatting

Formatting

Watch: shortcuts in action

21 keyboard shortcuts for beginners

25 advanced Excel shortcuts

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut to select a whole column or row in Excel?

How do I insert today’s date with a shortcut?

What does F4 do in Excel?

How can I use the Ribbon without a mouse?

Do these shortcuts work in Excel for Mac?