150+ Keyboard Shortcuts In MS Excel

Rashmi Karan
Manager - Cont ent
Updated on Dec 27, 2024 11:43 IST
If you frequently use MS Excel, learning its keyboard shortcuts can
significantly improve your efficiency and productivity. This article brings you
an ultimate list of over 150 Excel shortcuts for better data analysis,
managing tasks effortlessly, and enhancing efficiency in working with your
data in Excel. All of this is while saving a lot of your time.

What Is Keyboard Shortcut?

A keyboard shortcut is a key or a group of keys that must be pressed
simultaneously to execute a specific command. Excel keyboard shortcuts are widely
used because they help users improve their productivity by avoiding continually
raising their hands to use the mouse. Thus, they save seconds that can turn into
minutes and hours.

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Must Read – What is MS Excel?

Essential Keys For Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel

In most cases, keyboard shortcuts involve using the Ctrl, Alt , and Shif t keys. The
Ctrl and Alt keys are always identified by name, and an up arrow usually identifies
the Shift key.

MS Excel Courses

Nomenclature of Shortcuts
Since a keyboard shortcut can refer to the combination of several keys, you will
notice that the + symbol is used in its terminology, which serves to indicate that
several keys must be pressed at the same time, for example,

Ctrl+C
This keyboard shortcut indicates that we must press the Ctrl key and, without
releasing it, press the C key. The + symbol does not indicate that we must press the
+ key but is present to remind us to keep both keys pressed simultaneously. Below,
you will find the list of Excel shortcuts organized by the type of keys pressed or
according to their functionality.

Let’s take a look –

Content

Function Keys In Excel

Single Key Shortcuts

Basic Keyboard Shortcuts In Excel

Ctrl And Function Keys

Shif t And Function Keys

Alt And Function Keys

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 Ctrl+Shif t Keys

Navigate In Excel
Select Data

Enter Data And Formulas

Other Keyboard Shortcuts In Excel

Most Popular and Powerf ul Formulas in Excel

Excel has various f unctions ready to process your inf ormation to get the
desired results. Familiarize yourself with each of them. Once you master
various f unctions, you can create advanced MS...read more

Read Later

How to Use Excel Filter Shortcut?

Excel Filter shortcuts are keyboard combinations that you can use to
apply f ilters to your data quickly and easily. The article will explain
dif f erent ways to use Excel Filter shortcuts,...read more

Read Later

Function Keys In Excel

Special keys (F1–F12) are used for quick tasks like help, editing, or navigation.

Key Function

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 F1 Shows Excel Help

F2 Enters edit mode f or the active cell

F3 Displays the Paste Name dialog box if there is a def ined name
Repeats the last action. Also, writing a f ormula allows you to
F4
switch between relative, absolute, and mixed ref erences.
F5 Displays the Go To dialog box
F6 Allows you to move between panels in a divided book
F7 Displays the Spelling dialog box
Activates Expand Selection mode, which allows you to enlarge
F8
the selected range using the arrow keys
Calculates the result of f ormulas f or all sheets of open
F9
workbooks
F10 Activates the menu bar
F11 Creates a chart sheet with the selected cell range
F12 Displays the Save As dialog box

Explore these online degree programmes–

Online MBA Programmes Online BTech Programmes

Online MSc Programmes Online MTech Programmes

Single Key Shortcuts

Single keystrokes (like F2 or F4) are used for specific actions, such as editing cells or
repeating commands.

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Key Function

Alt Activates the menu bar

Page
Scrolls down one screen within the sheet
Down
Enter Completes a cell entry and selects the cell located below
Cancels the entry of a cell. It also closes any displayed
Esc
dialogue
Space Enables or disables a check box within a dialog box
Allows you to use the arrow keys to move to the last cell
End
in the current range

Home Moves to the beginning of the row

Page Up Move one screen up within the sheet
Backspace Deletes the contents of a cell and enters Edit Mode
Delete Deletes the content of a cell
Tab Completes a cell entry and selects the cell to the right
Direction Selects the top, bottom, lef t, or right cell according to
keys the direction key pressed

Mail Merge in Excel – Shiksha Online

Mail Merge in Excel is widely used to generate large numbers of

documents simultaneously while sticking to an agreed-upon or required
f ormat. The unique inf ormation f or each card or label...read more

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 Read Later

How to Split Cells in Excel?

Splitting cells in Excel involves dividing the contents of a single cell into
multiple cells. This can be incredibly usef ul f or organizing and f ormatting
data in a way that makes...read more

Read Later

Basic Keyboard Shortcuts In Excel

Common shortcuts (like Ctrl+C or Ctrl+V) can be used for everyday tasks like
copying, pasting, and undoing.

Key Function
Ctrl+A Select all
Ctrl+B Applies bold f ormatting to selected text
Ctrl+C Copies the selected cells
Copies the contents and f ormat of the topmost cell of a
Ctrl+D
selected range in the below cells
Invokes Flash Fill to recognize patterns in adjacent columns
Ctrl+E
and f ill the current column
Opens the Go To dialogue box so that you can work on a
Ctrl+G
specif ic ref erence (cell)
Ctrl+I Italicize the selected cell/s
Ctrl+J Removes line breaks in a cell

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Ctrl+K Hyperlinks in a cell
Ctrl+L Opens the Create Table dialog box
Ctrl+O Opens an existing workbook
Ctrl+N Opens a new workbook
Ctrl+P Displays the Print dialog box
Fills the row cell(s) to the right with the contents of the
Ctrl+R
selected cell/Aligns a cell with the contents of the lef t cell
Ctrl+S Saves the workbook
Ctrl+T Displays the Create Table dialog box
Ctrl+U Underlines the selected text
Ctrl+V Pastes the contents of the clipboard
Ctrl+X Cuts the selected cells
Ctrl+Y Redoes the last undone action
Ctrl+Z Undoes the last action
Ctrl+1 Opens the Format Cells dialog box
Ctrl+2 Applies bold f ormatting to selected text
Ctrl+3 Applies italic f ormatting to selected text
Ctrl+4 Underlines the selected text
Ctrl+5 Applies the strikethrough ef f ect to the text
Ctrl+6 Hides or shows the objects on the sheet
Ctrl+8 Shows the outline symbols on the sheet
Ctrl+9 Hides the selected row
Ctrl+0 Hides the selected column

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Keyboard Shortcuts With Ctrl And Function Keys
Combination of Ctrl with function keys (e.g., Ctrl+F4) are used to close workbooks
or perform advanced operations

Key Function
Ctrl+F1 Displays/hides the ribbon
Ctrl+F2 Displays the print preview area on the Print tab
Ctrl+F3 Opens Name Manager dialog box
Ctrl+F4 Closes the active workbook
Ctrl+F5 Restores the window size of the selected workbook window
Switches to the next workbook window if more than one
Ctrl+F6
workbook window is open
Allows you to move the workbook window when the window
Ctrl+F7
is not maximized
Allows you to resize the workbook window when the window
Ctrl+F8
is not maximized
Ctrl+F9 Minimizes the current workbook window to an icon
Ctrl+F10 Maximizes the window of a minimized workbook
Ctrl+F11 Inserts a macros sheet into the current workbook
Ctrl+F12 Displays the Open dialog box

What is Conditional Formatting in Excel?

Conditional Formatting is a popular tool in Excel that allows adding a

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
dif f erent f ormat to the cells per their conditions. This way, we can easily
see if the value of ...read more

Read Later

Relative Ref erencing in Excel – Shiksha Online

The article covers the Relative Ref erencing in Excel, how to create a
relative ref erence, and examples of relative ref erencing.

Read Later

Absolute Ref erence in Excel – Shiksha Online

Absolute ref erencing is essential f or creating robust and adaptable

f ormulas in Excel. By understanding its uses and how to create it, you
can ensure your calculations remain accurate and consistent...read more

Read Later

Keyboard Shortcuts With Shift And Function Keys

Shift with function keys (e.g., Shift+F3) invoke features like inserting functions or
extending selections.

Key Function
Shif t+F2 Insert a note. Open and edit a cell note
Displays the Insert Function dialog box. Editing a f ormula
Shif t+F3
displays the Function Arguments dialogue box.

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 Executes the “Find Next” command according to the
Shif t+F4
previously indicated search terms
Shif t+F5 Displays the Find dialog box
Switches f ocus between the sheet, the Ribbon, the status
Shif t+F6
bar, and the task pane (if present)
Shif t+F7 Displays the Ref erence task pane
Shif t+F8 It lets you add another range of cells to the selection
Shif t+F9 Calculates the f ormulas of the current sheet
Shif t+F10 Shows the right-click menu f or selection
Shif t+F11 Inserts a new sheet
Shif t+F12 Displays the Save As dialog box

Keyboard Shortcuts With Alt And Function Keys

Alt combined with function keys (e.g., Alt+F8) are used for accessing macros,
menus, or settings.

Key Function
Alt+F1 Inserts a chart on the current sheet
Alt+F2 Displays the Save As dialog box
Alt+F4 Closes Excel
Alt+F8 Opens the Macro dialog

Alt+F10 Shows the “Selection and Visibility” panel f or shapes

Alt+F11 Opens the Visual Basic f or Applications Editor

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 How to Calculate the Dif f erence Between Two Dates
in Excel?

Whether you need to determine the number of days between two events,
measure the duration of a project, or calculate an individual’s age, Excel
of f ers a range of f unctions and...read more

Read Later

What is a CSV File, and How to Convert CSV to

Excel?

CSV stands f or Comma Separated Values. It is a text data type in data

processing with which you can record, store, and process large amounts
of structured data. CSV f iles...read more

Read Later

Keyboard Shortcuts With The Ctrl+Shift Keys

Ctrl+Shift+L are powerful combinations for actions like applying filters or managing
data efficiently.

Key Function
Displays the Create Names From Selection
Ctrl+Shif t+F3
dialog box
Ctrl+Shif t+F6 Switch to the previous workbook window
Ctrl+Shif t+F10 Activates the menu bar

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Ctrl+Shif t+F12 Displays the Print dialog box
Displays the Font tab of the Format Cells
Ctrl+Shif t+F
dialog box
Ctrl+Shif t+L Turns f ilters on or of f in a range (Toggle)
Ctrl+Shif t+O Select cells with comments
Ctrl+Shif t+U Expands the f ormula bar

Ctrl+Shif t+Enter Enters a f ormula as an array f ormula

Extends the selection to the beginning of the
Ctrl+Shif t+Home
sheet
Extends the selection to the last used cell on
Ctrl+Shif t+End
the sheet
Ctrl+Shif t+PageDown Adds the next sheet to the selection of sheets
Adds the previous sheet to the sheet
Ctrl+Shif t+Page Up
selection
Ctrl+Shif t+Direction Extends the selection to the last non-empty
key cell in the same direction as the key pressed
Select the current cell range or the entire
Ctrl+Shif t+Space
sheet
Ctrl+Shif t+( Show hidden rows within the selected range
Show hidden columns within the selected
Ctrl+Shif t+)
range
Ctrl+Shif t+! Applies the Number in two decimals f ormat
Applies the Currency f ormat with two decimal
Ctrl+Shif t+#
places

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 Ctrl+Shif t+$ Applies the Percent f ormat without decimals
Ctrl+Shif t+% Applies the Scientif ic notation f ormat
Ctrl+Shif t+/ Applies the Time f ormat
Ctrl+Shif t+: Applies a border to the cell
Ctrl+Shif t+& Removes cell borders
Ctrl+Shif t+” “ Copies the cell’s content above

Keyboard Shortcuts To Navigate In Excel

Shortcuts for quick movement across cells, rows, and sheets (e.g., Arrow keys or
Ctrl+Arrow) can help to navigate in Excel.

Key Function
Alt+Page Down Moves the worksheet one page to the right
Alt+PageUp Moves the worksheet one page to the lef t
Ctrl+Page
Move down in the given range
Down
Ctrl+Page Up Move up in the given range
Ctrl+Home Move to cell A1

Ctrl+End Move to the last used cell in the current range

Ctrl+Backspace Gets you back to your active cell
Ctrl+Tab Switches between the open workbooks
Ctrl+Direction Move to the end of the current row or column
key according to the direction key pressed.

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Keyboard Shortcuts To Select Data
Listed below are the keys to highlight data (e.g., Shift+Arrow or Ctrl+A) for editing or
analysis.

Key Function
Ctrl+* Selects the current region of cells with data
Ctrl+Space Select the current column
Shif t+PageDown Extends the selection down one screen
Shif t+PageUp Extends the selection up one screen
Shif t+Home Extends the selection to the beginning of the row
Shif t+Space Selects the current row
Shif t+Direction Extends the selection of one cell in the same
key direction as the key pressed

Find and Replace in Excel – Shiksha Online

Find & Replace in Excel are crucial and f requently used f unctions. Learn
how to use these f unctions using both f ormula and advanced options.
Find & Replace in Excel are crucial...read more

Read Later

Dif f erence Between Formula and Function in Excel

Formula and Function in Excel sound similar and are of ten conf using. A

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
f ormula is a user-created expression that combines operators, cell
ref erences, and constants to perf orm customized calculations or
data...read more

Read Later

Flash Fill in Excel – Shiksha Online

Flash Fill is a powerf ul and time-saving f eature in Microsof t Excel that can
transf orm how you work with data. It allows you to extract, combine, or
ref ormat inf ormation quickly and...read more

Read Later

Keyboard Shortcuts To Enter Data And Formulas

Commands for inputting data or creating formulas (e.g., Enter or Ctrl+`) are as
follows -

Keys Function
Alt+= Inserts an AutoSum of the adjacent cells
Alt+Down Displays the options of a data validation list
Alt+Enter Inserts a line break within a cell
Ctrl+, (comma) Insert the current date
Ctrl+: Inserts the current time
Ctrl+” (double
Copies the value of the cell above
quotes)
Ctrl+’ (single quote) Copies the f ormula f rom the cell above

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
 Ctrl+Enter Fills the selected cell range with the current input
Ctrl+Delete
Deletes all text up to the end of the line

Ctrl+Alt+K Insert a hyperlink

Shif t+Enter Completes cell entry and selects the top cell
Completes the cell entry and selects the cell to
Shif t+Tab
the lef t

Other MS Excel Shortcut Keys

We have also listed miscellaneous shortcuts for tasks like opening files (Ctrl+O) or
saving work (Ctrl+S).

Keys Function
Alt+Space Opens the Excel window control menu
Alt+’ (single
Displays the Style dialog box
quote)
Moves lef t between non-adjacent cells in a selected
Alt+Ctrl+Lef t
range
Moves right between non-adjacent cells in a
Alt+Ctrl+Right
selected range
Ctrl+- Displays the Delete Cells dialog box
Ctrl++ Displays the Insert Cells dialog box
Ctrl+Alt+V Displays the Paste Special dialog box

Conclusion

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.
Mastering keyboard shortcuts in MS Excel is essential to achieve productivity and
speed up navigation data manipulation and formula creation, thereby speeding up
the workflow. Knowledge of these keyboard shortcuts will streamline your work
more smoothly in Excel. Adopting these shortcuts is crucial for somebody who
wants to work smarter and accomplish more in less time.

FAQs

What are keyboard shortcuts in Excel?

How can I remember Excel keyboard shortcuts?

Are there any keyboard shortcuts that are specif ic to certain Excel
versions?

Can I create my own custom keyboard shortcuts in Excel?

How can I view all available keyboard shortcuts in Excel?

What is the dif f erence between Ctrl, Shif t, and Alt shortcuts?

Disclaim e r: This PDF is auto -generated based o n the info rmatio n available o n Shiksha as
o n 28 -Dec-20 24.