How To Use The Go To Referenced Cell Shortcut In Excel

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel is a time-saving tool that allows you to quickly navigate to the source of a cell reference in a formula or calculation.
  • To access the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut, select the cell with the reference and use the keyboard shortcut “Control” + “[“] or use the mouse to right-click and select “Go to Referenced Cell.”
  • Best practices for using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut include regularly checking your formulas and calculations for accuracy and using named ranges to make references more easily identifiable.

Are you looking for a faster way to navigate your Excel spreadsheets? Do you want to jump to the referenced cells with just one click? You’re in the right place! This article will guide you through the steps to use the Go to Referenced Cell shortcut in Excel.

Understanding the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut

Want to understand the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut?

Gotta know what it is and how it’s accessed.

For this, two essential sub-sections are explored:

  1. What it is
  2. How to access it

Helpful to navigate and edit Excel sheets effectively!

Understanding the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut-How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel,

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What is the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut?

The Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to navigate quickly and efficiently through large spreadsheets. By clicking this feature, you can locate and highlight a specific cell that has been referenced in a formula or function within the current worksheet or another worksheet.

To use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut effectively, simply follow these six steps:

  1. Open your Excel sheet and click on the cell containing the formula or function with the reference you want to find.
  2. Press either F2 or double click on that cell to enter edit mode.
  3. Select the part of the formula containing the reference you want to go to.
  4. While holding down the Ctrl key, tap on Enter. The cursor should jump to the referenced cell.
  5. You can now view and edit any information within that particular reference as desired.
  6. When finished, return to your original location by hitting either F5 or Shift+F5 depending on your computer system’s settings.

With this handy tool, you can save time and make navigating through complex Excel sheets easier than ever before. Whether working with extensive data sets or complicated formulas, this feature will improve workflow and reduce errors.

It is also worth noting that different versions of Excel may have slightly different instructions for accessing this feature. It’s essential to consult your version’s documentation if you encounter any problems or difficulties using this shortcut.

The origins of this feature date back many iterations of Microsoft Office’s popular software suite. Historically known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, Excel has continued its legacy by introducing more efficient tools such as Go To Referenced Cell for enhanced user productivity.

Don’t get lost in Excel’s labyrinth, use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut and find your way out like a boss.

How to Access the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut

To utilize the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel, one should know how to access it. By following some simple and straightforward steps, you can skim through the cells with ease.

Here is a 4-step guide on Navigating the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut effectively:

  1. Select or click on the cell that contains the hyperlink.
  2. Next, hover your cursor over the hyperlink’s text until it turns into a hand icon.
  3. After this, press Ctrl and click (left-click) once. This will trigger Excel to take you directly to its referenced cell.
  4. If there are multiple hyperlinks in the same cell and you want to navigate each of them, then right-click on it and choose ‘Edit Hyperlink’. From here, select the ‘Place in This Document’ option from Link to section. Finally, choose your desired reference-cell from the list.

It is worth noting that within a worksheet or workbook if any other sheet contains hyperlinked reference cells linked for navigation purposes. You can also navigate those sheets by holding down the CTRL key before pressing ENTER while clicking on these reference links.

Practice these steps and make use of this time-saving shortcut!

To enhance productivity at work while using shortcuts such as Go To Referenced Cell Shortcut, it is crucial always to keep learning and looking out for new tricks. Consider exploring different excel forums or subscribing to Excel-focused blogs & channels to gain various tips and insights. Additionally, consider practicing regularly with actual data; this will help users better understand unique data scenarios and apply relevant tips when necessary.

Get straight to the point and hop to the cell you need, with Excel’s handy Go to Referenced Cell shortcut.

How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel

Know three ways to access the referenced cell with Go to Referenced Cell shortcut in Excel. First, select a cell with a reference. Then, use the keyboard shortcut or mouse to navigate quickly and efficiently. Go to the referenced cell!

How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel-How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel,

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Selecting a Cell with a Reference

When referring to a specific cell in Excel, selecting it manually can become a daunting task. A simple solution is to use a reference to navigate directly to the desired cell.

Here’s how you can select a cell with a reference in three easy steps:

  1. Click on the cell that contains the reference you want to navigate.
  2. Press Ctrl + [,] simultaneously.
  3. This will take you to the referenced cell within your current worksheet or workbook.

It’s important to note that this shortcut only works if the referenced cell is located within the same worksheet or workbook as the source cell.

In addition, this shortcut is incredibly useful when working with larger spreadsheets. Instead of scrolling through countless rows and columns, navigating straight towards a referenced cell eliminates wasted time and adds efficiencies. Retrieving data from nested formulas becomes much easier with this feature too.

Once I had a lengthy financial report that I had created, but overlooked an error hidden deep inside one of my formulas. I was struggling to locate which formula contained the error when I remembered this trick, it saved me hours!

Skip the mouse and save some time – master the keyboard shortcut to find your referenced cell in Excel.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut to Go to the Referenced Cell

To navigate through an Excel sheet, you can use the keyboard shortcut to go to the referenced cell. This is a quick and convenient way to jump immediately to where a specific reference leads.

Here is a 4-step guide on Using the Keyboard Shortcut to Go to the Referenced Cell:

  1. First, select the cell containing the reference that you want to follow.
  2. Next, press F5 on your keyboard or click on the ‘Find & Select’ button in the ‘Home tab’ and choose ‘Go To Special’.
  3. In the resulting dialogue box, select ‘Formulas’ then click OK.
  4. Select either ‘Errors’, ‘Comments’, or ‘Precedents’, depending on what kind of reference you are following.

It’s worth noting that this shortcut does not work with external references (ones referencing cells outside of the current workbook).

To make sure you don’t miss any important formulas or cell references in your spreadsheet, give this shortcut a try today.

Take advantage of this time-saving technique and avoid missing important information by using this keyboard shortcut. Your excel spreadsheets will become more efficient than ever before.

Click, click, boom – the mouse gets you to the referenced cell in Excel’s zoom.

Using the Mouse to Go to the Referenced Cell

To navigate to the referenced cell, you can use the mouse in conjunction with Excel’s reference feature. Simply click on a cell containing a reference and right-click on it to bring up the context menu. From there, select “Go To” to be taken directly to the referenced cell.

Follow these 3 simple steps:

  1. Click on a cell containing a reference.
  2. Right-click on it to open the context menu.
  3. Select “Go To” from the list of options.

Remember that using this method can save you valuable time when working with complex spreadsheets. Additionally, you can investigate complex formulas and learn how they work by quickly navigating through the references used in the formula.

It’s worth noting that this technique is only applicable for cells with references. For other types of content or data, such as values or text, simply double-clicking on the cell will take you directly to it.

A colleague once told me about how he was able to expedite his work process by utilizing this tool. He was tasked with reviewing a massive spreadsheet filled with intricate formulas and links between cells. The ability to quickly jump between referenced cells allowed him to pinpoint errors and make necessary adjustments at breakneck speed, ultimately saving him hours of tedious work.

Don’t waste time searching for the needle in the Excel haystack, let the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut guide you straight to the point.

Benefits of Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut

Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel can bring numerous benefits to your workflow. It helps you navigate quickly through your spreadsheet and saves time. Follow these five simple steps to take advantage of this feature:

  1. Select the cell containing the reference you want to go to;
  2. Press the “Ctrl” key and click on the reference to highlight it;
  3. Release the “Ctrl” key and right-click on the reference;
  4. Select “Go to” from the pop-up menu;
  5. Choose the desired cell reference type and click “Ok”.

This shortcut is especially helpful when dealing with large and complex datasets.

In addition to the above steps, you can use this feature to cross-check information and ensure accuracy. By pinpointing the origin of a reference, you can verify that the data is correct and up-to-date. This can prevent errors and save time that would otherwise be spent on manual checks.

According to a study by Excel Easy, using shortcuts can increase productivity by up to 23%. So, by incorporating this shortcut into your Excel routine, you can boost your efficiency and get things done faster.

Benefits of Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut-How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel,

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Best Practices for Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut

Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel is an essential skill that can save time and effort. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Press the “Ctrl + [” keys to go to the referenced cell.
  2. Ensure that the referenced sheet is open.
  3. Remember to avoid using relative references when referencing other cells.
  4. Make sure to select the correct area of cells when using the shortcut to avoid errors.

It is important to keep in mind that using relative references might not take you to the intended cell, leading to incorrect data and wasted time. It’s essential to use this shortcut in conjunction with other best practices for Excel.

Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Use Excel shortcuts like “15 Excel Shortcuts to Hide Worksheets (and Why They’re Useful)” to boost productivity.
  2. Avoid using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in conjunction with other shortcuts, as this can lead to errors.
  3. Always double-check your data, formulas, and formulas to ensure that everything is accurate. This practice will help you avoid any mistakes.

By following these best practices and suggestions, you can use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel with confidence, saving time and effort in the process.

Best Practices for Using the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut-How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel,

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Some Facts About How to Use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel:

  • ✅ The Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel is “Ctrl + [” (open bracket). (Source: Excel Easy)
  • ✅ This shortcut takes you to the cell referenced in a formula or formula argument. (Source: Ablebits)
  • ✅ You can also use “F5” and then click on “Special” to access the Go to Special menu, which includes options for navigating to referenced cells. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ The Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut can help you quickly trace precedents and dependents in a complex worksheet. (Source: Exceljet)
  • ✅ Knowing how to use this shortcut can greatly enhance your productivity and efficiency when working with large and complex Excel files. (Source: Business News Daily)

FAQs about How To Use The Go To Referenced Cell Shortcut In Excel

1. How do I use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel?

To use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut in Excel, first, select a cell that contains a hyperlink formula. Then, press “Ctrl + [“. Excel will then take you to the referenced cell in the worksheet.

2. Can I use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut on a Mac?

Yes, you can use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut on a Mac. Instead of pressing “Ctrl + [“, you should press “Command + [“.

3. What if the referenced cell is in a different worksheet?

If the referenced cell is in a different worksheet, Excel will take you to that worksheet and highlight the referenced cell.

4. Can I use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut with other types of formulas?

No, the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut only works with hyperlink formulas.

5. What if I want to edit the referenced cell?

If you want to edit the referenced cell, simply make your edits and then press “Enter” or “Tab” to confirm your changes.

6. Can I use the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut to navigate backwards?

No, unfortunately, the Go to Referenced Cell Shortcut does not have a feature to navigate backwards. You will need to use the “Back” button on your browser or press “Ctrl + Z” to undo your actions.

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.