How to use this Excel shortcut list
Search by what you want to do (“filter”, “date”, “hide”) or by key (“F4”), or pick a section. Keys joined with + are pressed together; keys shown with then are pressed one after another — Excel's ribbon shortcuts work this way, so Alt then H, O, I autofits a column. Download the PDF to keep a printed cheat sheet next to your screen.
The 10 Excel shortcuts worth learning first
- Ctrl+Arrow — jump to the end of your data instead of scrolling.
- Ctrl+Shift+Arrow — select to the end of your data.
- Alt+= — AutoSum.
- F4 — toggle absolute references ($A$1) while writing formulas.
- Ctrl+D — copy a formula down the selected cells.
- Ctrl+T — turn data into a table with filters and banded rows.
- Ctrl+Shift+L — switch filters on or off.
- Ctrl+1 — open Format Cells for numbers, dates and borders.
- Ctrl+; — insert today's date.
- Ctrl+E — Flash Fill to split or combine text automatically.
Excel skills for Indian office jobs
Accounts, MIS and data-entry roles often test Excel speed in interviews. Being fluent with navigation, filters, PivotTables (Alt then N, V) and formulas such as SUMIFS, VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP makes a visible difference. Practise one new shortcut a day until you stop reaching for the mouse.
Tips
- Press Alt on its own to see key tips for every ribbon button — any command can be reached from the keyboard.
- On laptops, function keys may need Fn held down (e.g. Fn+F4), unless you switch the Fn lock.
- Shortcuts that insert dates use your Windows regional date format.
Also see Tally shortcut keys and Word shortcut keys.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for AutoSum in Excel?
Press Alt+= (Alt and the equals sign). Excel inserts a SUM formula for the numbers above or to the left of the selected cell.
How do I lock a cell reference with $ quickly?
While editing a formula, put the cursor on a reference and press F4. Each press cycles through $A$1, A$1, $A1 and A1.
What does Ctrl+E do in Excel?
Ctrl+E runs Flash Fill: type one or two examples of the pattern you want — for example first names split from full names — and Excel fills the rest of the column.
Do these shortcuts work on a Mac?
Many do with Cmd in place of Ctrl, but Excel for Mac has several differences. This list is for Excel on Windows.
Last updated: 23 September 2026Suggest an improvement · Report a problem