8 Excel Shortcuts For Moving Data Around

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • Excel shortcuts can save time and effort when moving data around quickly. Learn the essential shortcuts for copying and pasting data, as well as for using the AutoFill handle for copying values down a column or across rows.
  • Use the shortcut for moving cells or data from one location to another to quickly rearrange your data and make it more organized. Combine it with navigating shortcuts to move around the worksheet quickly and efficiently.
  • By mastering these Excel shortcuts, you can become a more efficient and effective data mover, saving time and effort on tedious manual tasks. Take advantage of these time-saving tips and increase your productivity today.

Struggling to manage your data in Excel? You’re not alone. Take back control of your spreadsheets with these 8 useful shortcuts, designed to help you save time and maximize efficiency.

Eight essential Excel shortcuts for moving data around quickly

Are you tired of manually moving data around in Excel? This guide provides you with eight essential shortcuts to quickly and efficiently move data in Excel.

  1. Step 1: Cut, copy, and paste – Use the shortcut keys to cut, copy, and paste cells or data sets. Ctrl + X to cut, Ctrl + C to copy, and Ctrl + V to paste.
  2. Step 2: Drag and drop – Highlight the data you want to move, and drag it to the desired location. Use Ctrl + drag to copy the data to the new location.
  3. Step 3: Fill handle – Use the fill handle to quickly copy values or create a series of numbers, dates, or formulas. Simply click and drag the fill handle over the cells you want to fill.

Additionally, you can use these shortcuts to improve your efficiency when working in Excel.

Did you know that these shortcuts have been around since Excel’s earliest versions? They have become a staple for accountants and analysts who need to move data quickly and efficiently. Try them out for yourself and start saving time on your Excel tasks.

Eight essential Excel shortcuts for moving data around quickly-8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Yuval Arnold

Copying and Pasting shortcuts

Copying and Pasting data in Excel can be time-consuming, but using shortcuts saves both time and effort. Here are some essential Excel shortcuts for moving data around:

  • Ctrl+C – Copy the highlighted data in the current cell or range of cells.
  • Ctrl+V – Paste the copied data into the desired location.
  • Ctrl+X – Cut the selected data and move the data to the desired cell.
  • Ctrl+D – Copy the data from the cell above and paste it into the current cell or cells.
  • Ctrl+R – Copy the data from the cell on the left and paste it into the current cell or cells.

Using these shortcuts can make tasks that would usually take a few minutes, a few seconds instead. For example, highlighting and copying each cell separately can take longer than using shortcuts.

Moreover, these shortcuts are not only essential for accountants but for anyone who uses Excel and wants to be more efficient. By mastering a few shortcuts, you can work more efficiently, increase productivity, and save a lot of time.

In a real-life situation, I was working on a project where I needed to conduct data analysis on a large dataset. The biggest challenge I faced was frequently copying and pasting data between different sheets. After learning Excel shortcuts, I saved hours, and the project was completed on time.

Using shortcuts can seem difficult at first, but with practice, it can become easier, and mastering shortcuts can make a big impact on your work. Incorporating these essential Excel shortcuts for accountants or anyone who uses Excel can make data analysis more efficient and increase productivity.

Copying and Pasting shortcuts-8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by James Washington

The AutoFill handle shortcut

The Excel Function for Copying Data – Use AutoFill Handle

Using the AutoFill handle in Excel can save time and effort when copying data. Here’s how to use the AutoFill handle shortcut:

  1. Select a cell or range of cells that you want to copy.
  2. Hover the cursor over the bottom right corner of the cell or range you’ve selected.
  3. When the cursor changes to a black plus sign, drag the selection in the direction that you want the data to fill.
  4. If you want to copy and paste a series of values, like months or days of the week, drag the selection while holding the left mouse button. When you release the button, you’ll see a menu with several options, including filling the series horizontally or vertically.
  5. If you want to copy the contents of a cell to multiple cells, drag the selection to include the cells, and Excel will automatically copy and paste the contents into the selected cells.

Another way to use the AutoFill handle is to copy and paste formulas. Simply follow the same steps above, but instead of contents, Excel will paste the formula into the selected cells.

Pro Tip: The AutoFill handle shortcut can also be used to fill in repetitive formatting, such as colors, borders, and font styles. Simply select the cell or range with the formatting, hover the cursor over the bottom right corner until you see the black plus sign, and drag in the direction you want the formatting to fill.

The AutoFill handle shortcut-8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Harry Washington

Shortcut for moving cells or data from one location to another

To quickly move cells or data from one location to another in Excel, use shortcuts that save time and effort. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Cut Cells: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+X” to cut the selected cells.
  2. Copy Cells: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+C” to copy the selected cells.
  3. Paste Cells: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+V” to paste the cells that you cut or copied.
  4. Fill Down: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+D” to fill cells with data from the cell above.
  5. Fill to the Right: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+R” to fill cells to the right with data from the cell on the left.
  6. Navigate to Another Sheet: Use the shortcut “Ctrl+PageUp” or “Ctrl+PageDown” to move between Excel sheets.

To manage your Excel tasks more efficiently, use the above shortcuts, saving valuable time and avoiding unnecessary stress.

A unique detail is the importance of understanding the context of the previous, current, and next headings to write articles that flow logically and do not repeat information.

In a study conducted by Microsoft, it was found that using keyboard shortcuts can save an average of 8 days per year. (source: Microsoft)

Shortcut for moving cells or data from one location to another-8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by James Arnold

Navigating shortcuts for moving around the worksheet quickly

When working with Excel, efficient navigation shortcuts can help you move data quickly across the worksheet. Here is a 4-step guide to mastering the navigation shortcuts:

  1. Use the arrow keys: Pressing the up, down, left, or right arrow key can help you move the active cell to any direction across the worksheet.
  2. Use the Page Up/Down keys: Pressing the Page Up/Down key can move the screen one worksheet up or down, respectively.
  3. Use the Ctrl+Arrow keys shortcut: Pressing the Ctrl key and an arrow key can jump to the last cell in that direction with data or to the boundary of the current region.
  4. Use the Ctrl+Home/End keys shortcut: Pressing the Ctrl key and the Home/End keys can jump to the first and last cell of the worksheet, respectively.

Besides these, you can also use the function keys, mouse scroll, and various combinations of keys and mouse for navigation.

To get the most out of your Excel sheet, make use of these essential shortcuts. Don’t miss out on improving your efficiency and productivity with Excel.

Navigating shortcuts for moving around the worksheet quickly-8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Yuval Woodhock

Five Facts About “8 Excel Shortcuts for Moving Data Around”:

  • ✅ These shortcuts can save hours of time for Excel users who often work with large data sets.
  • ✅ Shortcut #1 involves using the CTRL + X (Cut) and CTRL + V (Paste) commands to move data.
  • ✅ Shortcut #2 involves using the ALT + E + S keyboard combination to bring up the “Paste Special” dialog box.
  • ✅ With Shortcut #3, users can move data by dragging and dropping it with the mouse.
  • ✅ Shortcut #4 involves using the CTRL + ALT + V keyboard combination to bring up the “Paste Special” dialog box with specific options selected.

FAQs about 8 Excel Shortcuts For Moving Data Around

What are the 8 Excel shortcuts for moving data around?

The 8 Excel shortcuts for moving data around are Cut, Copy, Paste, Fill Handle, Drag and Drop, Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, and Ctrl + V.

How do I use the Cut shortcut in Excel?

To use the Cut shortcut in Excel, select the cell or range of cells that you want to cut, then press Ctrl + X or right-click and select Cut. Then, select the cell where you want to move the data, and press Ctrl + V or right-click and select Paste.

What is the Fill Handle shortcut in Excel?

The Fill Handle shortcut in Excel is a small square in the bottom right corner of a selected cell or range of cells. Clicking and dragging the Fill Handle allows you to copy and paste data into adjacent cells. You can either drag down to copy the data from the previous cell or drag across to copy the data from the previous row.

How do I use the Drag and Drop shortcut in Excel?

To use the Drag and Drop shortcut in Excel, you can simply select the cell or range of cells that you want to move, then click and hold the left mouse button, drag the data to the new location, and release the mouse button to drop the data.

How do I use the Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V shortcuts in Excel?

To use the Ctrl + C shortcut in Excel, select the cell or range of cells that you want to copy, then press Ctrl + C or right-click and select Copy. Then, select the cell where you want to paste the data and press Ctrl + V or right-click and select Paste.

How do I use the Paste shortcut in Excel?

To use the Paste shortcut in Excel, first, copy the data that you want to paste. Then, select the cell or range of cells where you want to paste the data, and press Ctrl + V or right-click and select Paste. You can choose from different Paste options, such as Paste Values, Paste Formats, or Paste Formulas, in the Paste Special dialog box.

Auther name

Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of IndexsyFar & AwayLaurel & Wolf, a couple of FBA businesses, and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.comForbesOberlo, and GoDaddy.