I LOVE shortcuts, there is no doubt about it. Every single course I teach covers some of the shortcuts available within the program and I reference these throughout the day. If you want to learn the best Excel shortcuts then look no further. Here are the best shortcuts for Excel plus an easy to print PDF version to help you lock these into memory.
Warning: Do not try to learn these all at once! Pick out 4 or 5 which you feel you will use the most, focus on those and locking them into memory before you pick the next 4 or 5. Before you know it, you’ll be shortcutting like a pro.
To download a PDF copy of this list, see the download link at the bottom of the page.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Excel
| Ctrl + N = New workbook | Ctrl + mouse wheel = Zoom in and out |
| Ctrl + O = Open workbook via backstage view | Alt + F4 = Close the program |
| Ctrl + F12 = Open workbook via Open dialog | F1 = Launch Help |
| Ctrl + S = Save workbook | F2 = Edit current cell |
| Ctrl + P = Print preview | F4 = Repeat last action/set Absolute cell reference |
| Ctrl + W = Close current workbook | F7 = Spell Check |
| Ctrl + A = Select all | F11 = Create a quick chart |
| Ctrl + Z = Undo last action | F12 = Save As |
| Ctrl + Y = Redo last action | Ctrl + Home = Go to top of worksheet |
| Ctrl + X = Cut | Ctrl + End = Go to last cell in worksheet |
| Ctrl + C = Copy | Ctrl + Shift + ~ = Apply General number format |
| Ctrl + V = Paste | Ctrl + Shift + $ = Apply Currency format |
| Ctrl + B = Bold | Ctrl + Shift + % = Apply Percentage format |
| Ctrl + U = Underline | Ctrl + Spacebar = Highlight current column |
| Ctrl + I = Italics | Shift + Spacebar = Highlight current row |
| Ctrl + F = Find/Search | Shift + Home = Highlight current cell back to column A in row |
| Ctrl + H = Replace Text | Ctrl + Shift + Home = Highlight current cell back to cell A1 |
| Ctrl + G = Open Go To dialog box | Ctrl + Shift + End = Highlight current cell to last cell in worksheet |
| Ctrl + K = Insert hyperlink | Ctrl + Page Up = Move between worksheets |
| Ctrl + E = Flash Fill | Ctrl + Page Down = Move between worksheets |
| Ctrl + 1 = Display Format Cells dialog box | Tab = Move to the next cell |
| Alt + Tab = Switch betwen open programs | Windows key + E = Launch File Explorer window |
Why learn Excel shortcuts?
A common question I hear is “Why do you teach us Excel shortcuts?“.
The answer to this question is simple. Shortcuts will improve your productivity.
When you use the computer we are constantly moving between the keyboard and the mouse. Each of those movements interrupts the flow of our work and means our brain must break away from our thinking to then let us know we need to go and use the mouse to do something.
If we can then lock some of these powerful Excel shortcuts into long term memory we will start to see an almost “muscle memory” affect where we don’t need to think about apply different formatting options, or changing text alignments, or navigation around our workbook. Our brain will simply allow us to include these steps in amongst our thoughts without the need for us to break concentration.
The more time on the keyboard the better!
Download a Printable Copy
Now that you’ve seen some of the most useful Excel shortcuts, how on earth are you going to remember them? Don’t worry about writing them down, click the button below to download a PDF copy now. Either save the file for future reference or print out a copy and place it near your computer screen for quick and easy reference.
Want to learn more about Excel?
If you love feeling productive then why not explore the Excel courses we have on offer to ensure you know how to use the many features of Excel to improve your efficiency on a daily basis. Our Excel courses range from introduction for beginners right through to advanced functions for those who are ready and willing.