Microsoft Excel is one of the most powerful tools in the business world. It’s a spreadsheet program that has become a staple in nearly every office. But with so many features and functions, it can be overwhelming to navigate. Fortunately, there are shortcuts that can help you work more efficiently and effectively. In this article, we’ll cover the top Excel sheet shortcuts you need to know.
1. Create a New Workbook
When you first open Excel, you are presented with a blank workbook. To create a new workbook, simply press Ctrl + N on your keyboard. This will save you the time of going to File > New Workbook.
2. Save Your Work
It’s important to save your work frequently to avoid losing any data. Instead of clicking on the Save button, use the shortcut Ctrl + S to quickly save your workbook.
3. Insert a New Worksheet
To insert a new worksheet in your workbook, press Shift + F11. This will save you the time of right-clicking on the worksheet tabs and selecting Insert Worksheet.
4. Copy a Cell
To copy a cell, select the cell and press Ctrl + C. This will copy the cell to your clipboard. You can then paste the cell by pressing Ctrl + V.
5. Cut a Cell
If you want to move a cell instead of copying it, select the cell and press Ctrl + X. This will cut the cell and put it on your clipboard. You can then paste the cell in a new location by pressing Ctrl + V.
6. Paste Special
The Paste Special function allows you to paste the content of a cell in a different format. To access Paste Special, right-click on the cell and select Paste Special. You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + V.
7. Format Painter
The Format Painter tool allows you to copy the formatting from one cell to another. To use Format Painter, select the cell with the formatting you want to copy and press Ctrl + Shift + C. Then select the cell you want to apply the formatting to and press Ctrl + Shift + V.
8. AutoSum
The AutoSum function allows you to quickly calculate the sum of a range of cells. To use AutoSum, select the cell where you want the sum to appear and press Alt + =.
9. Merge Cells
If you want to merge two or more cells into one, select the cells you want to merge and press Alt + H + M + M.
10. Insert a Comment
If you want to add a comment to a cell, select the cell and press Shift + F2. This will bring up the Comments box where you can add your comment.
11. Find and Replace
The Find and Replace function allows you to quickly find and replace text in your workbook. To access Find and Replace, press Ctrl + F.
12. Freeze Panes
The Freeze Panes function allows you to keep certain rows or columns visible as you scroll through your workbook. To freeze panes, select the row or column you want to freeze and go to View > Freeze Panes.
13. Sort a Range of Cells
If you want to sort a range of cells in ascending or descending order, select the range of cells and go to Data > Sort.
14. Filter Data
The Filter function allows you to quickly filter data in your worksheet. To access Filter, select the range of cells you want to filter and go to Data > Filter.
15. Add Borders
If you want to add a border to a cell or range of cells, select the cells and go to Home > Border.
16. Navigate Worksheets
To quickly navigate between worksheets in your workbook, press Ctrl + Page Up or Ctrl + Page Down.
17. Hide Columns or Rows
If you want to temporarily hide columns or rows in your worksheet, select the column or row and right-click on it. Then select Hide.
18. Unhide Columns or Rows
If you want to unhide hidden columns or rows in your worksheet, select the columns or rows on either side of the hidden columns or rows. Then right-click on the selected columns or rows and select Unhide.
19. Adjust Column Width
If you want to adjust the width of a column, select the column and hover your mouse over the right edge of the column header. When your cursor turns into a double arrow, click and drag the edge of the column to adjust the width.
20. Adjust Row Height
If you want to adjust the height of a row, select the row and hover your mouse over the bottom edge of the row header. When your cursor turns into a double arrow, click and drag the edge of the row to adjust the height.
21. Copy a Formula
To copy a formula to multiple cells, select the cell with the formula and drag the fill handle (the small square in the bottom right corner of the cell) across the cells where you want to copy the formula.
22. Insert a Hyperlink
If you want to insert a hyperlink in your workbook, select the cell where you want the hyperlink to appear and press Ctrl + K.
23. Print a Worksheet
To print a worksheet, go to File > Print. You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + P.
24. Zoom In or Out
To zoom in or out on your worksheet, press Ctrl + Mouse Scroll. You can also use the Zoom slider in the bottom right corner of the Excel window.
25. Open the Formula Bar
The Formula Bar allows you to view and edit formulas in your worksheet. To open the Formula Bar, go to View > Formula Bar.
26. Add a Page Break
If you want to add a page break in your worksheet, select the row or column where you want the break and go to Page Layout > Breaks.
27. Check Spelling
To check the spelling in your worksheet, press F7 or go to Review > Spelling.
28. Insert a Function
If you want to insert a function in your worksheet, select the cell where you want the function to appear and press Shift + F3.
29. Undo and Redo
To undo your last action, press Ctrl + Z. To redo your last action, press Ctrl + Y.
30. Close Excel
To close Excel, go to File > Close or press Alt + F4.
