Top 40 Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts Every User Must Know (Boost Productivity Fast)

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, I have come to understand and appreciate the power of computers from 2013 when I was first introduce to it till now , what’s more interesting is the role of basic applications in transforming how we work, communicate, and solve problems be it the Business/ Finance industry,  the Skilled Trades and Construction( talking about the electricians, the plumbers, carpenters etc) the technology & IT, the Healthcare & Medicine, the Education & training, The Logistics, Transportation & Warehousing , Retails & Sales or even Media and Entertainment . In all of these one major discovery that stood out has to be the effectiveness of keyboard shortcuts.

Microsoft Excel is one of the most powerful tools for data analysis, calculations, and everyday productivity but many users barely scratch the surface of what it can do. If you still rely heavily on your mouse, you're likely wasting valuable time on tasks that could be completed in seconds.

Keyboard shortcuts are the secret weapon of highly efficient Excel users. By mastering just a few key combinations, you can navigate faster, format data instantly, and perform complex actions with minimal effort. Whether you're a student, business owner, freelancer, or office professional, learning these shortcuts can dramatically improve your workflow.

In this guide, you’ll discover 40 essential Microsoft Excel keyboard shortcuts and their uses. These shortcuts are carefully selected to help you work faster, reduce repetitive actions, and boost your overall productivity.

If you're ready to stop working harder and start working smarter in Excel, let's dive in

S/N	SHORTCUTS	USES
1	Ctrl + N	This is use to open a new worksheet
2	Ctrl + S	This is use to save a document
3	Ctrl + O	This is used to open an existing worksheet
4	Ctrl + B	To bold
5	Ctrl + I	To italic
6	F12	Press this to resave a document (SAVE AS)
7	Ctrl + P	To print a document
8	Ctrl + X	This is the knife shortcut in excel it is use to Cut.
9	Ctrl + Z	To undo a document
10	Ctrl + Y	To redo
11	Ctrl + X	To cut
12	Ctrl + F	This is use to find a word
13	Ctrl + H	This is use to replace a word
14	Ctrl + A	To highlight or to select all
15	Ctrl + W	This is used to close an entire worksheet
16	Ctrl + F4	To close an entire excel Windom
17	Ctrl + Arrow keys	This is the control key that allow you jump to the edge of data region, it is used as a short cut if you want to reach to the end of your worksheet
18	Shift + Arrow keys	This is use to highlight a particular cell continuously
19	Ctrl + Home	This is used to move to cell A1
20	Ctrl + End Key	This is used to the last used cell on worksheet
21	Ctrl + G	This is a shortcut to go or reference a particular cell when working in a worksheet, you can also use the F5 key to perform the same function.
22	Ctrl + U	This is used to underline a word in a cell
23	Ctrl + Alt + V	This is used to paste only a specific part of a copied data instead of pasting everything you copied.
24	Ctrl + 1	This is a shortcut that allows you to format a cell Dialogue.
25	Ctrl + 5	This shortcut allows you to strikethrough a word in your worksheet
26	Ctrl + Shift + $	Just like the dollar symbol in front it is to format currency, so put it, this shortcut is used for currency formatting.
27	Ctrl + Shift + %	It is to format percent, so put it, this shortcut is used for percent formatting (those that does accounting will understand better).
28	Ctrl + Shift + ^	This is used for scientific purpose.
29	Ctrl + Shift + #	This shortcut is used for date formatting.
30	Ctrl + Shift + @	This is used for time formatting.
31	Ctrl + Shift + &	This is used to automatically apply boarder to your Worksheet.
32	Ctrl + Shift + _	This is the opposite of CTRL + SHIFT+ &, it is to remove border automatically.
33	Ctrl + T	This shortcut is used to create a table automatically
34	F12	This is used to edit and active cell#
35	Alt + Enter	This is simply to create a new line in a cell.
36	Ctrl + ;	This shortcut allows you insert the current date in a worksheet you are working on
37	Ctrl + Shift + :	This is used to insert current time on a worksheet
38	Ctrl + Shift +	This is use to insert a column
39	Ctrl + Tab	This is used to switch between open workbook
40	Delete	This is used to clear content

 

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