60+ Most Used Excel Shortcut Keys for Beginners

Microsoft Excel remains the backbone of modern data management, widely used in business, finance, education, and engineering. While Excel offers a powerful interface, mastering its full potential starts with understanding its excel shortcut keys. Whether you’re new to Excel or looking to boost productivity, this excel shortcuts list is your go-to resource.

Why Learn Excel Shortcut Keys?

Using the mouse slows you down, especially with repetitive tasks like applying formulas, filtering data, or navigating large sheets. That’s where excel shortcuts make a real difference. With the right keyboard shortcuts, you can reduce work time significantly and focus on analysis instead of formatting.

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Essential Excel Shortcut Keys: A Quick Overview

Here’s a categorized breakdown of the most useful ms excel shortcut keys you’ll use regularly. These shortcuts work across Microsoft Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel for Microsoft 365.

1. Basic Excel Shortcuts Everyone Should Know

These foundational shortcuts help with navigation and quick actions.

Ideal for quickly navigating large Excel sheets or dashboards.

2. Navigation Shortcuts

Navigate large spreadsheets efficiently using these commands.

These excel sheet shortcut keys help streamline bulk data entry and editing.

3. Formatting Shortcuts

Apply quick formatting without using the ribbon.

Customize number, text, and date formats quickly using these excel computer shortcut keys.

4. Data Entry Shortcuts

Speed up how you input and replicate data.

These are core excel shortcuts formulas that every beginner should master.

5. Workbook and Worksheet Management

Navigate and control Excel workbooks efficiently.

Crucial for managing tabular data and streamlining reports.

6. Cell and Range Selection Shortcuts

Selecting cells precisely is key to effective Excel work.

These microsoft excel shortcut keys make workbook-level tasks faster and more consistent.

7. Formula Shortcuts

Working with formulas? These shortcuts save serious time.

8. Table & Filtering Shortcuts

Manage tables and filtered data like a pro.

9. Dialog Box & Ribbon Shortcuts

Excel menus can be navigated entirely via keyboard.

10. Miscellaneous Shortcuts

Helpful extras that don’t fall under a single category.

Expert Tips to Memorize Excel All Shortcut Keys

• Start small, learn 5 shortcuts per week.
• Use them in real tasks, not just for practice.
• Print or bookmark a cheat sheet.
• Use Excel’s Tell Me What You Want to Do bar (Alt + Q) to explore functions.

Mastering even 50 shortcut keys of MS Excel can save hours every week.

Learn More

Want to go beyond shortcut keys and improve your spreadsheet skills?

• Explore the Basic Excel Tutorial for Beginners (Free Course)
• Understand Data Analysis using Excel to start working like a data pro

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)

1. What are the most time-saving Excel shortcuts for daily use?

Some of the most time-saving Excel shortcuts include:

• Ctrl + T (Create Table)
• Ctrl + Shift + L (Apply/Remove Filter)
• Ctrl + Arrow Keys (Jump to edge of data region)
• Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys (Select large ranges quickly)
• Ctrl + ; (Insert current date)

These help streamline reporting, data navigation, and formatting in seconds.

2. Is there a shortcut to apply custom number formatting quickly?

Yes. Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog, then navigate to the Number tab to apply or define custom formats. It’s faster than using the ribbon and supports granular changes like date/time formats, accounting symbols, and custom patterns (e.g., #,##0.00).

3. How can I lock a cell reference using a keyboard shortcut?

When editing a formula, press F4 after selecting a cell reference. This toggles between relative and absolute references (A1, $A$1, A$1, $A1). On macOS, use Command + T.

4. Is there a shortcut to autofit column width or row height?

Yes:

• To autofit column width: Press Alt → H → O → I (Windows only).
• To autofit row height: Press Alt → H → O → A.

These allow precise control over cell visibility after data entry.

5. Can I create my own Excel keyboard shortcuts?

While Excel doesn’t let you assign custom shortcuts natively, you can:

• Use Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) to pin actions and access them via Alt + number.
• Use VBA macros with assigned shortcut keys (via the Macro settings).

For example, a macro to clear formatting can be linked to Ctrl + Shift + C.

6. What’s the difference between Ctrl + A and Ctrl + Shift + Space in Excel?

• Ctrl + A selects the entire worksheet or the current data region.
• Ctrl + Shift + Space selects the entire table or range associated with the active cell.

They’re context-sensitive and behave differently depending on where your cursor is placed.

7. How do I quickly switch between Excel sheets and workbooks?

• Switch sheets: Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down
• Switch open workbooks: Ctrl + Tab (or Alt + Tab for all open apps)

These are vital for multitasking in multi-sheet reports or consolidated workbooks.

8. Are Excel shortcuts the same in Excel Online (browser version)?

Not exactly. While many shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + Z) work in Excel Online, complex ribbon-based or Alt key combinations may be limited. Use the browser’s native shortcuts with caution, they can sometimes override Excel behavior.

9. Do Excel shortcuts differ across languages or regional keyboards?

Yes. Some key placements (like ; or =) may vary on non-English or international keyboards, which can impact shortcuts like Ctrl + ; (insert date). Regional Excel versions may also have localized menu paths, affecting ribbon navigation shortcuts.

10. How do I remember so many Excel shortcuts?

• Group shortcuts by category (Navigation, Formatting, Formulas).
• Print a cheat sheet and keep it nearby.
• Use tools like Excel training add-ins or PowerToys to practice.
• Commit to using at least 3–5 new shortcuts weekly in real tasks.

Excel Shortcut Keys Quiz