Excel Shortcut Keys: Boost Your Productivity with These Essential Commands

Mastering Microsoft Excel can significantly boost your productivity, especially when you know the right Excel shortcut keys. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these keyboard shortcuts can save you time and make complex tasks easier. In this guide, we will cover the most important Excel shortcuts, categorized by their functionality.
Using Excel keyboard shortcuts allows users to complete tasks faster and improves workflow efficiency. Whether you're formatting data, creating charts, or managing worksheets, these shortcuts can make your tasks effortless.
1. Basic Excel Shortcut Keys
These shortcuts are the most commonly used and help perform essential operations.
Ctrl + A: Select all contents of the worksheet
Ctrl + B: Apply bold formatting
Ctrl + C: Copy selected content
Ctrl + V: Paste copied content
Ctrl + X: Cut the selected content
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action
Ctrl + Y: Redo the previously undone action
Ctrl + N: Create a new workbook
Ctrl + O: Open an existing workbook
Ctrl + S: Save the workbook
Ctrl + W: Close the workbook
2. Formatting and Editing Shortcuts
These shortcuts help modify and format content quickly.
Ctrl + I: Apply italic formatting
Ctrl + U: Underline the selected text
Ctrl + H: Find and replace content
Ctrl + K: Insert a hyperlink
Alt + H + H: Change cell color
Alt + H + F + C: Change font color
Alt + H + F + S: Change font size
3. Navigation and Selection Shortcuts
These shortcuts help you move across sheets and select rows/columns efficiently.
Ctrl + Home: Move to the beginning of the workbook
Ctrl + End: Move to the last used cell
Ctrl + ↑: Move to the top cell of the column
Ctrl + ↓: Move to the bottom of the column
Ctrl + Page Up: Move to the previous sheet
Ctrl + Page Down: Move to the next sheet
Ctrl + Space: Select the entire column
Shift + Space: Select the entire row
4. Time and Date Shortcuts
Inserting date and time becomes easier with these shortcuts.
Ctrl + Shift + ; Insert current time in the active cell
Ctrl + Shift + #: Insert the date in DD/MM/YYYY format
5. Data Management and Analysis Shortcuts
These shortcuts assist in data analysis, filtering, and visualization.
Ctrl + Shift + L: Apply or remove data filter
Alt + N + V: Insert a Pivot Table
Alt + F1: Insert a chart
Alt + N + G: Insert a column chart
Alt + A + E + F: Convert text to columns
Alt + W + F + F: Freeze or unfreeze panes
6. Workbook and Sheet Management Shortcuts
Manage your sheets and workbooks effectively.
Alt + H + I + S: Insert a new worksheet
Alt + H + O + U + S: Hide a sheet
Alt + H + O + U + H: Unhide a sheet
Ctrl + F4: Close the workbook
Ctrl + F9: Minimize workbook
Ctrl + F10: Restore workbook
7. Advanced Excel Shortcuts
Boost your efficiency with these advanced Excel functions.
Alt + Tab: Switch between applications
Alt + F8: Open Macros window
Ctrl + Alt + =: Zoom in
Ctrl + Alt + -: Zoom out
Alt + M + D: Formula tracing
If you’re looking to master Excel and improve your productivity, learning these Excel shortcut keys is the way to go. Bookmark this page or print a copy for easy reference. With consistent practice, you’ll become an Excel pro in no time!