Whether you're an analyst, assistant, manager, accountant or project manager, or you work with Excel on a daily basis, these keyboard shortcuts will save you precious time by reducing the number of tedious operations.
1. Automatically select a data table
Shortcut : Ctrl + *
📋 How it feels:
Selects all cells adjacent to the active cell (row + column) containing data.
✅ Use case :
- Before applying a sort or filter
- To copy an entire table of data
- To create a graph from a consistent set of data
💡 Tip: go to any cell in your table and press Ctrl + *: magic, everything is instantly selected!
2. Transform your data into an intelligent table
Shortcut : Ctrl + L (or Ctrl + T)
📋 How it feels:
Converts a range of data into structured table with headers, filters and dynamic options.
✅ Use case :
- Easy sorting, filtering and automatic styling
- Allows the use of structured formulas
- Adapts automatically as rows/columns are added
💡 Bonus : you can then apply visual styles, activate totals and create pivot tables more easily
3. Quick access to "Save as
Shortcut : F12
📋 How it feels:
Open the window Save as directly, even if you're in the middle of a job.
✅ Use case :
- Create multiple versions of a file (e.g. _version1, _version2...)
- Save a copy without overwriting the original
- Export in another format (CSV, PDF...)
⚠️ Advice: adopt a clear naming convention for your files: ProjectName_YYYYMMDD.xlsx
4. Mastering special bonding
Shortcut : Ctrl + Alt + V
📋 How it feels:
Open the box Special bondingwhich allows you to glue only what you need :
- Values only
- Formatting
- Formulas
- Multiplication, transposition...
✅ Use case :
- Paste results without formulas
- Uniform formatting
- Transpose rows into columns
💡 Pro tip : use it after a copy or a cut to access otherwise invisible options
5. Perform a quick sum
Shortcut : Alt + =
📋 How it feels:
Automatically adds a sum formula for the column or row above.
✅ Use case :
- Quickly add up figures in a table
- Create a cumulative sum without typing =SUM()
💡 Save time: also works for several selected columns at once
6. 📋 Open clipboard history
Shortcut: Windows + V
📋 How it feels:
Displays the history of Last 20 items copiedaccessible from anywhere (Excel, Word, etc.)
✅ Use case :
- Paste a value copied earlier, without copying it again
- Navigate between several blocks of text/data to be pasted
⚠️ Activation required : type in Parameters > Clipboard > Enable History.
7. Apply a digital format quickly
Shortcut : Ctrl + Shift + 1
📋 How it feels:
Format the cell in "Number with two decimal places and thousands separator.
✅ Use case :
- Express formatting of accounting data
- Rapid standardisation of a financial table
🧮 Alternative: Ctrl + Shift + 5 applies the percentage format, Ctrl + Shift + 4 the currency format (€).
8. Reach the last cell used
Shortcut : Ctrl + End
📋 How it feels:
Automatically positions itself on the last active cell (bottom right) of the sheet.
✅ Use case :
- Check where your data ends
- Cleaning up invisible "ghost" cells
⚠️ Attention: old cells containing deleted data may still be "active" for Excel.
9. Mass search and replace
Shortcut : Ctrl + H
📋 How it feels:
Opens the "Search / Replace with direct access to the replacement field.
✅ Use case :
- Correct an error in an entire table
- Replace a name, date or unit in several sheets
💡 Tip: use Search in : Filing cabinet to act on all the leaves at once.
10. Repeat the last action
Shortcut : Ctrl + Y
📋 How it feels:
Redoes the last cancelled action or repeats the previous action.
✅ Use case :
- Reapply formatting (bold, colour, border, etc.)
- Quickly reinsert the same row, column or cell
💡 Combine with Ctrl + Z to manage your trial and error like a pro.
In a nutshell
Adopting these shortcuts means taking a step towards a advanced Excel skills. Remember a few at a time, repeat them, and you'll see your effectiveness soar.
