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15 Microsoft Excel Shortcuts You Need to Know

  • Writer: Alex Hughes
    Alex Hughes
  • Jun 3
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 29

Speed Up Your Spreadsheets and Work Smarter in 2025


excel shortcut

Managing budgets, reporting on performance, or building your next big project tracker? Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for all these tasks. However, are you utilizing it to its full potential?


If you're clicking around with your mouse for every formula, filter, or formatting change, you might be losing precious time. These 15 Excel shortcuts can help you move faster and feel more in control of your data.


Why Excel Shortcuts Matter


Shortcuts may seem small, but their impact on your workday is significant. Knowing a few key combinations can dramatically improve your efficiency. Here’s how:


  • Work faster with fewer clicks: Keyboard shortcuts eliminate unnecessary mouse movements, allowing you to stay focused.

  • Keep your hands on the keyboard: Maintain your flow and avoid disruption by minimizing clicks.

  • Reduce repetitive strain: Frequent dragging and scrolling can lead to discomfort. Shortcuts help reduce this strain.

  • Impress your colleagues: Show off your spreadsheet skills with smooth and slick maneuvers. 🙌


Whether you work in finance, sales, admin, or IT, these tips are for you.


📊 The 15 Excel Shortcuts Everyone Should Know


Shortcut

What it does

Ctrl + Shift + L

Add or remove filters to selected data

Ctrl + Arrow Keys

Jump to the edge of data in that direction

Ctrl + Space

Select the entire column

Shift + Space

Select the entire row

Ctrl + Shift + +

Insert a new row or column

Ctrl + -

Delete selected row or column

Ctrl + 1

Open format cells window

F2

Edit the active cell

Alt + =

AutoSum selected cells

Ctrl + Z

Undo the last action

Ctrl + Y

Redo the last undone action

Ctrl + Shift + $

Apply currency formatting (£)

Ctrl + T

Create a table from selected data

Ctrl + ;

Insert the current date

Ctrl + Shift + Up/Down

Select all data above or below the active cell


🧠 Real-World Use Cases

Here’s how some of these shortcuts apply in everyday situations:

  • Ctrl + Shift + L: Got customer names and values? Easily add filters in one click.

  • F2: Fix formulas quickly; jump straight into editing.

  • Alt + =: Need totals? Highlight the cells and hit it to AutoSum within seconds.

  • Ctrl + T: Transform raw data into a table for convenient sorting and filtering.


⚙️ IT Desk Tip: Combine Shortcuts with Excel Tables and Conditional Formatting

Shortcuts are effective on their own. However, when combined with Excel’s robust tools, you unlock a new level of productivity. Clients often learn to create smarter dashboards and use PivotTables. Beyond that, you can even connect Excel to live data through applications like Power BI or Microsoft 365.


If your spreadsheets are becoming unmanageable, know that there’s a better way. We can show you how to transform the way you work.


📌 Final Thoughts

Mastering Excel shortcuts is a quick and effective way to work smarter. It often makes a difference between spreadsheet stress and spreadsheet success.


At IT Desk, we assist UK businesses in maximizing Microsoft 365. We provide everything from Excel training to smarter cloud solutions.


👉 Want to boost your team’s productivity? Let’s talk.

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