15 Excel Shortcuts For The Absolute Beginner

You don’t have to be a tech genius to navigate Excel! Here are 15 essential Excel shortcuts to help you get organized and save time. Whether you’re a novice or looking to learn more, this article is perfect for you. Maximize your Excel potential today!

Keyboard Shortcuts: Mastering the Basics

Time is a factor when it comes to working on Excel. Every minute spent searching for a feature could be a minute of making decisions. That’s why keyboard shortcuts are helpful. This section will explain the basics of mastering keyboard shortcuts. We’ll see the types that are available and why they’re important.

We’ll look closely at copy/paste, navigation, formatting, editing, and data shortcuts. After this section, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a keyboard shortcut master!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Harry Duncun

Copy and Paste Shortcuts: Saving Time and Effort

Copy and Paste Shortcuts are essential for absolute beginners! Use Ctrl+C to copy selected cell(s) or range. With Ctrl+X, cut the selected cell(s) or range. To paste the copied/cut content, use Ctrl+V at the location where the cursor is pointed. Ctrl+Alt+V will bring up a menu with paste format, formula, or value only.

These shortcuts are time-savers compared to right-clicking on each cell and selecting copy or paste. It’s a fact that even Bill Gates memorized over 1,000 keyboard shortcuts to use Microsoft Office programs!

Next up, Navigation Shortcuts: Moving Around Quickly. Get around your spreadsheets more efficiently with these!

Navigation Shortcuts: Moving Around Quickly

Navigation Shortcuts: Moving Around Quickly – use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move up, down, left, or right one cell at a time. Home key takes you to the first cell in a row and End key takes you to the last.

Ctrl+Arrow key moves to the last cell with data or formatting in a column or row. Meanwhile, Ctrl+Home takes you to the top-left corner of the sheet and Ctrl+End takes you to the bottom-right corner.

To view different parts of a large worksheet simultaneously, use Ctrl+F6. With practice, these shortcuts become second nature and help save time and make work more efficient.

Formatting Shortcuts: Making Your Spreadsheets Look Professional

Ctrl + B for bold? Ctrl + I for italics? Ctrl + U for underline? These shortcuts make text formatting quick and effortless.

Shift + Arrow keys? Use them to highlight multiple cells and apply formatting changes (e.g. font size or color) to all of them simultaneously. Saving heaps of time!

Alt + H + L? Color scale. Alt + H + I? Icon sets. Conditional formatting shortcuts to help you highlight important data automatically.

Using these shortcuts makes your spreadsheets look professional. Way better than before, when accountants had to spend days hand-formatting each cell’s contents.

Let’s move on to Editing Shortcuts: Fixing Mistakes in a Flash. Keyboard shortcuts to speed up correcting any errors you make.

Editing Shortcuts: Fixing Mistakes in a Flash

No need to switch between mouse and keyboard – editing shortcuts give you the opportunity to carry out certain actions quickly. Highlight, delete or move entire rows, columns, or groups of cells with just a few keystrokes.

Preventing mistakes is also made easier – use “Auto Fill” or “Copy, Cut, and Paste” to duplicate formulas or data without worrying about the wrong info being copied.

Customize your shortcuts too! Highlight what you want with one keystroke, create hotkeys for usually used commands, adjust the default behavior of certain features – so many ways to make Excel’s editing tools perfect for your workflow.

Here’s a fun fact: according to Microsoft, using shortcuts in Excel increases productivity by up to 20%. Clearly, mastering these little tricks saves time and streamlines your process.

Let’s now delve into our next heading – Data Shortcuts: Managing Your Data with Ease.

Data Shortcuts: Managing Your Data with Ease

Managing data can be a tough job, but it’s made easier with Data Shortcuts! Here are six ways these can help you:

• Navigate from cell to cell quickly.
• Select large chunks of data without scrolling.
• Cut, copy and paste data with ease.
• Format cells across multiple worksheets quickly.
• Sort and filter data with a few clicks.
• Create charts and graphs in seconds.

Data Shortcuts save time when working with large amounts of data. Plus, you’ll reduce the chance of human error by using keyboard shortcuts.

Go further by using pivot tables and conditional formatting. Then take your skills to the next level with Mouse Shortcuts. Now you’re an Excel power user!

Mouse Shortcuts: Using Your Mouse Efficiently

Do you use Excel, but not being productive? Most folk don’t know its full potential! Let’s focus on some basic mouse shortcuts. We’ll cover helpful ones, like the Fill Handle and the AutoSum. These can save lots of time when dealing with large data sets or adding rows/columns. Get to know them to work more efficiently with Excel!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Yuval Washington

Fill Handle Shortcut: Saving Time When Entering Data

Tired of manually typing out repetitive values? The Fill Handle Shortcut is here to save the day! Simply click and drag the small box located in the bottom right corner of a selected cell, and Excel will automatically fill in a pattern based on the content of the original cell.

For example, if you start with the value “1” and drag down, Excel will fill in “2”, “3”, “4” and so on. You can even customize the fill options by right-clicking on the Fill Handle and selecting one of several options like fill without formatting, copy cells or series, etc.

Using this shortcut, you can say goodbye to tedious data entry work. It’s especially useful when dealing with large sets of data that require precise patterns or sequences. I know this from experience – I used to spend hours entering data into cells until someone showed me the Fill Handle Shortcut. Now I can complete my work much more quickly.

Let’s move on to the Autofill Shortcut: Automatically Filling Cells with Data.

Autofill Shortcut: Automatically Filling Cells with Data

To use Autofill, begin by selecting the cell(s) to be filled. Type in the desired values in the first few cells. Move your cursor to the bottom right corner of the last cell and it will turn into a crosshair. Click and drag, either down or across, depending on if you want values to be copied vertically or horizontally. Now, release your mouse button and Excel will fill all the selected cells with values, based off your initial pattern.

This tool is incredibly useful for those who work with a lot of data. For example, if you have an Excel sheet with hundreds of product names, prices, models and stock counts, you don’t need to type out each and every name, price and model code repeatedly. Just select your starting sequence and drag down – Autofill does the rest!

Autofill is not only great for filling up sequences, it can also help populate a column with incrementing dates such as days or months automatically!

Want to know another great shortcut? Selecting multiple cells quickly!

Selecting Cells or Ranges Shortcut: Selecting Multiple Cells Quickly

To select multiple cells quickly, click the first cell and hold down the Shift key. Then click the last cell in the series. To select non-adjacent cells, hold down the Ctrl key and click each cell. This is essential for working with large amounts of data efficiently. It reduces the chance of selecting an extra cell which could mess up your calculations or formatting. Try it out today to improve your Excel skills!

Up next: AutoSum Shortcut – Summing Up Your Data with One Click.

AutoSum Shortcut: Summing Up Your Data with One Click

Want to know the total of a range of numbers? Just select the empty cell where you want it to appear. Then press “Alt” and “=” on your keyboard. Excel will automatically select the range above your chosen cell. Press “Enter” and voila! Your total will be displayed.

This shortcut works best for basic calculations like sales figures or budget expenses. And it only works for numbers next to each other in the same row or column. To add up non-continuous cells, either highlight them manually before pressing “Alt” and “=” or use another formula like SUM or AVERAGE.

Did you know Microsoft Excel was invented in 1982 as an accounting tool? The first version was called Multiplan. But it didn’t get popular until Microsoft acquired it and changed the name to Excel.

Here’s another shortcut: Inserting Rows and Columns Quickly. This allows us to insert rows or columns easily without having to do them one by one.

Inserting Cells or Ranges Shortcut: Inserting Rows and Columns Quickly

Inserting Cells or Ranges quickly is convenient for saving time! Press ‘Ctrl +‘ to insert a row above the selected cell, or ‘Ctrl –‘ to insert a row below the selected cell. Similarly, press ‘Ctrl +‘ to insert a column to the left of the selected cell and ‘Ctrl –‘ to insert a column to the right.

Shortcut keys can be used to quickly insert rows and columns. Select the row with ‘Shift + Space‘ then press ‘Control + Shift ++‘ (plus sign). To select the column, use ‘Control + Space‘ followed by ‘Control + Shift ++‘ (plus sign).

These shortcuts help maintain good formatting without corrupting complex codes or formulas. Remember to position your cursor before use to ensure smooth operation.

Organizing your tabs like a pro is another exciting topic!

Shortcuts for Working with Multiple Sheets: Organizing Your Tabs Like a Pro

Let’s chat about a simple way to make your Excel work more productive – keyboard shortcuts! In this section, we’ll look at the top tricks for managing sheets in Excel. With these short-cuts, you can manage tabs like an ace, never remove your hands from the keyboard. We’ll cover the following actions:

1. Copying
2. Moving
3. Renaming
4. Selecting multiple sheets
5. Hiding/unhiding sheets

Adding these shortcuts into your process will save time and make spreadsheet management simpler. So let’s get going!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Adam Jones

Copying Sheets Shortcut: Duplicating Sheets Like a Pro

Copying sheets quickly in Excel is essential. Hold down the Ctrl key while selecting each sheet to copy multiple sheets at once. To create a copy of a sheet within the same workbook, select “Create a Copy“. To copy a sheet to another workbook, select the destination workbook from the dropdown menu.

Duplicating sheets like a pro in Excel is simple. It can help prevent errors and safeguard against accidental deletion or modification. Moving sheets quickly is a breeze with the Moving Sheets Shortcut! Reordering and moving sheets is easy.

Moving Sheets Shortcut: Reordering and Moving Sheets Quickly

Moving sheets in Excel is often tedious and time-consuming, especially when you have multiple ones. But, you can use shortcuts to quickly reorder and move them. Here are five methods:

1. Use the “Move or Copy” dialog box. Right-click a tab, select “Move or Copy” from the dropdown menu and a dialog box will appear. You can then choose which sheet to move the current one before or after.
2. Dragging sheets with the mouse. Click on the tab of the sheet you want to move. Hold down the left mouse button, drag it left or right and release it where you want it.
3. Keyboard shortcut for moving priorities. Hold down Alt and press either F10, M (short for Move) or T (short for Tab). You’ll have the option to move or copy your current worksheet.
4. Using ‘CTRL’ + ‘PAGE UP’ or ‘CTRL’ + ‘PAGE DOWN’. This shortcut helps you navigate between worksheets without physically moving them.
5. Select multiple sheets at once and move them in one go. Hold down Shift while clicking on each sheet that needs moving. Then, follow either method 1 or 2.

These shortcuts save time when organizing spreadsheets and reduce frustration. Color-code each sheet for a quick glance. Right-click a worksheet color (one of 16 preset colors) below the tabs, which represents a category suitable for large scale data handling.

Renaming Sheets Shortcut:

For renaming multiple sheets quickly, use this advice.

Renaming Sheets Shortcut: Renaming Sheets in a Snap

Select the sheet tab you want to rename by clicking on it. Then, press “Alt + O + H” keys together. This will bring up the “Rename Sheet” dialog box. Change the name of the sheet quickly! This shortcut saves time when you have many sheets to rename.

Renaming Sheets Shortcut: Renaming Sheets in a Snap is useful for Excel users. Beginners and experienced users find this shortcut helpful when working with a lot of data.

Excel Campus, an educational website, says renaming sheets can be “tedious and time-consuming.” This shortcut saves frustration and time.

After Renaming Sheets Shortcut: Renaming Sheets in a Snap, the next heading is Selecting Multiple Sheets Shortcut: Selecting Multiple Sheets with Ease.

Selecting Multiple Sheets Shortcut: Selecting Multiple Sheets with Ease

Selecting multiple sheets can be a time-saver and avoid errors in complex workbooks. Master this simple yet powerful technique for handling multiple worksheets! Here are some tips:

• To select contiguous sheets, click the first sheet tab and hold shift while clicking the last sheet tab.
• To select non-contiguous sheets, hold ctrl and click on each sheet you want to select.
• To select all sheets in a workbook at once, right-click on any sheet and choose “Select All Sheets” from the context menu.
• To group selected sheets together, right-click on one of them and choose “Group” from the context menu.
• Use this shortcut to quickly copy or move data between selected sheets.
• Reverse your selection by holding down Shift + Ctrl + Page Up or Page Down keys.

Start applying this quick tip today! Practice using it regularly until it becomes part of your routine.

Also, try the “Hiding/Unhiding Sheets Shortcut”! It’s a great way to display or hide sheets quickly to make your worksheet efficiency skyrocket!

Hiding/Unhiding Sheets Shortcut: Displaying or Hiding Sheets Quickly

Excel can be a nightmare when working with many sheets. But shortcuts make it easier to keep everything organized. With just a few clicks, you can ‘hide’ any sheet you don’t need – without deleting it. Unhiding is just as easy too. All you have to do is right-click and select ‘Hide’ or ‘Unhide’. You can even do this for multiple sheets at once!

I used this shortcut on a project with over 20 sheets and it saved me hours of scrolling. It kept only the needed sheets visible, with the rest hidden until required.

The hiding/unhiding shortcut is incredibly useful. It makes working with lots of data much easier and boosts productivity. Next time you’re juggling multiple sheets, give it a go!

FAQs about 15 Excel Shortcuts For The Absolute Beginner

What are the 15 Excel shortcuts for the absolute beginner?

The 15 Excel shortcuts for the absolute beginner are:

1. Ctrl + N – Create a new workbook
2. Ctrl + O – Open an existing workbook
3. Ctrl + S – Save the current workbook
4. Ctrl + Z – Undo the last action
5. Ctrl + X – Cut selected cells or items
6. Ctrl + C – Copy selected cells or items
7. Ctrl + V – Paste copied or cut cells or items
8. Ctrl + F – Find specific content in the workbook
9. Ctrl + H – Replace specific content in the workbook
10. Ctrl + B – Apply or remove bold formatting
11. Ctrl + I – Apply or remove italic formatting
12. Ctrl + U – Apply or remove underline formatting
13. Ctrl + W – Close the current workbook
14. Ctrl + Page Up – Switch to the previous worksheet
15. Ctrl + Page Down – Switch to the next worksheet

How do I remember all these Excel shortcuts?

The best way to remember all these Excel shortcuts is to practice them regularly. Start incorporating them into your work routine gradually until they become second nature. You can also print out a list of the shortcuts and keep it near your workspace for easy reference. Finally, you can use mnemonic devices to help you memorize the shortcuts.

Can these Excel shortcuts be customized?

Yes, Excel shortcuts can be customized according to the user’s preferences. You can create your own shortcuts or modify existing ones using the Customize Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar options in the Excel settings.

Can I use these Excel shortcuts on a Mac?

Yes, most of these Excel shortcuts can be used on a Mac by replacing the Ctrl key with the Command key. For example, instead of using Ctrl + S to save a workbook, you would use Command + S.

Are there any downsides to using Excel shortcuts?

While Excel shortcuts can save you time and improve your productivity, there are a few downsides to using them. The first is that it can take some time to learn and remember all the shortcuts, particularly if you are not familiar with Excel. Additionally, it can be challenging to switch between applications that use different sets of shortcuts. Finally, if you rely solely on shortcuts, you may miss out on other functionality that is not linked to shortcuts.

How can I learn more advanced Excel shortcuts?

If you have mastered the 15 Excel shortcuts for the absolute beginner and want to learn more advanced shortcuts, there are several resources you can use. Excel’s help system provides a comprehensive list of shortcuts, including advanced ones. You can also search online for tutorials, videos, and other resources that teach advanced Excel shortcuts. Finally, you can attend Excel training sessions, either in-person or online, to learn more about using Excel efficiently.