The Most Useful Excel Keyboard Shortcuts
In this overview, you can find the functionality and key combinations of the most useful Excel keyboard shortcuts. Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow on Excel.
Absolutely! Here is a list of the most useful basic Excel shortcut keys, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to increase speed and efficiency with the essentials.
✅ Most Useful Basic Excel Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | Create a new workbook |
| Ctrl + O | Open an existing workbook |
| Ctrl + S | Save the current workbook |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected cells |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected cells |
| Ctrl + V | Paste copied/cut cells |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo last action |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo the undone action |
| Ctrl + P | Open the print dialog |
| Ctrl + A | Select all cells |
| Ctrl + F | Open Find dialog |
| Ctrl + H | Open Find & Replace dialog |
| Ctrl + B | Bold selected text |
| Ctrl + I | Italicize selected text |
| Ctrl + U | Underline selected text |
| Ctrl + Arrow Keys | Jump to edge of data area |
| Ctrl + Home | Move to cell A1 |
| Ctrl + End | Move to the last used cell |
| Alt + Enter | Start a new line inside a cell |
| Ctrl + ; | Insert the current date |
| Ctrl + Shift + “+” | Insert a new row or column |
| Ctrl + “-“ | Delete selected row/column |
| Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down | Switch between worksheets |
| F2 | Edit the selected cell |
Move and scroll using keyboard shortcuts
Here is a handy list of Excel keyboard shortcuts for moving and scrolling – this is very helpful when navigating large spreadsheets quickly and efficiently
y:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Arrow Keys | Move one cell up, down, left, or right |
| Tab | Move one cell to the right |
| Shift + Tab | Move one cell to the left |
| Enter | Move one cell down |
| Shift + Enter | Move one cell up |
| Ctrl + Arrow Keys | Jump to the edge of the current data region (up/down/left/right) |
| Home | Move to the beginning of the current row |
| Ctrl + Home | Move to the beginning of the sheet (cell A1) |
| Ctrl + End | Move to the last used cell on the sheet |
| Page Down | Scroll one screen down |
| Page Up | Scroll one screen up |
| Alt + Page Down | Scroll one screen to the right |
| Alt + Page Up | Scroll one screen to the left |
| Ctrl + Page Down | Switch to the next worksheet in the workbook |
| Ctrl + Page Up | Switch to the previous worksheet |
A to Z List of Excel Keyboard Shortcuts
Here is a complete A to Z list of Excel keyboard shortcuts, where each key (A to Z) is associated with one of the most useful Excel functions – a fun and practical way to remember them!
🔤 Excel Keyboard Shortcuts from A to Z
| Key | Shortcut | Function / Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | Ctrl + A | Select all cells in the worksheet |
| B | Ctrl + B | Bold the selected text |
| C | Ctrl + C | Copy selected cells |
| D | Ctrl + D | Fill down from the cell above |
| E | Alt + E + S + V | Paste Special (old Excel menu shortcut) |
| F | Ctrl + F | Find content in the sheet |
| G | Ctrl + G | Go To a specific cell reference |
| H | Ctrl + H | Find and Replace |
| I | Ctrl + I | Italicize selected text |
| J | Alt + H + J | Center across selection (menu sequence) |
| K | Ctrl + K | Insert hyperlink |
| L | Ctrl + L | Create a table (also Ctrl + T) |
| M | Alt + H + M + M | Merge and center cells |
| N | Ctrl + N | Create a new workbook |
| O | Ctrl + O | Open an existing workbook |
| P | Ctrl + P | Print the worksheet |
| Q | Alt + Q | Jump to “Tell Me” search box (Help) |
| R | Ctrl + R | Fill right from the left cell |
| S | Ctrl + S | Save the workbook |
| T | Ctrl + T | Create a table |
| U | Ctrl + U | Underline selected text |
| V | Ctrl + V | Paste |
| W | Ctrl + W | Close the workbook window |
| X | Ctrl + X | Cut selected cells |
| Y | Ctrl + Y | Redo the last undone action |
| Z | Ctrl + Z | Undo last action |
Why Excel is important for everyone
✅ 1. Universal skill
Excel is used everywhere – in school, office, business and even at home.
It is a must-have digital skill for students, job seekers, professionals and entrepreneurs.
✅ 2. Easy data management
Helps organize information like marks, expenses, project plans or contact lists.
You can easily sort, filter and search data in seconds.
✅ 3. Automation saves time
Use formulas to do math automatically.
Create charts to visualize data.
Create templates to use again and again.
✅ 4. Improves decision making
Analyze your data and understand what’s working and what’s not.
Helps you make smart, data-driven choices whether in your studies, work or personal life.
✅ 5. Useful in every career
Fields How Excel helps
Students Track grades, plan study schedules
Teachers Record attendance, calculate results
Business Budgeting, sales tracking, reports
Finance accounting, forecasting, financial modeling
Science and research Data logging, analytics, experiments
Analyze marketing campaigns, track metrics
Engineering Project management, technical analysis
✅ 6. Increases job opportunities
Employers love Excel skills – even for entry-level roles.
It shows you’re organized, analytical and tech-savvy.
✅ 7. It’s a lifelong tool
Use it to plan budgets, travel, goals or even daily routines.
✨In short:
“Excel isn’t just a software – it’s a life skill.” Whether you are a student, teacher, job seeker or entrepreneur, Excel makes your life more organized, smarter and efficient.