Excel Shortcut Keys 2016: The Ultimate List

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • Excel shortcut keys can drastically improve work efficiency: Learning and utilizing Excel shortcut keys can significantly reduce the time and effort required for various tasks like data entry, navigation and formatting.
  • Basic and commonly used shortcuts should be the first ones you start with: Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V and Ctrl+S should be the first shortcuts you learn when getting started with Excel. Navigation shortcuts like Ctrl+arrow keys and Ctrl+Home will also save time when moving around a worksheet.
  • Formula-related shortcuts can save time and reduce errors: Utilizing shortcuts for formula entry and error-checking can help save time and reduce errors in complex spreadsheets. Macros and VBA shortcuts can further automate Excel tasks for even greater efficiency.

Struggling to find the right Excel shortcut keys to save you time and help you work more efficiently? You’re in luck! Here’s the ultimate list of Excel shortcut keys that will boost your productivity.

Basic shortcuts

Want to work faster and smarter with Excel? Use navigation and editing shortcuts! Check out this article: “Excel Shortcut Keys 2016: The Ultimate List“. It has basic shortcuts galore. Streamline your workflow with these shortcuts. Excel will be your new best friend!

Navigation shortcuts

Accelerating your productivity, a group of shortcuts called “moving shortcuts” or “shift navigation” will navigate you through Excel spreadsheets without any limits. These shortcuts help to activate movement along with extensive tables quickly and efficiently, reducing time and hassle.

Sharp & beneficial hotkeys that control movement within Excel spreadsheets include Home, End, Ctrl+Home, Ctrl+End keys. The Home key can return the user to the top of the active column (if inside), or to cell A1 (if outside). On the other side, the End key takes them to the last cell of the row or column they are currently in.

Certain unique details that may further optimize navigation involve: making columns and rows perfectly fit screen windows by ‘double clicking’ their lines, highlighting contents faster using ‘Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys’, applying a formula to multiple cells together with “Ctrl + Shift” shortcut.

As noted on Microsoft’s website, Excel operating has largely improved for users because of its virtue-rich navigation panel; however, utilizing those diverse functions demands user proficiency.

Who needs a time machine when you can undo your mistakes with just a keyboard shortcut? Excel editing just got a whole lot more powerful.

Editing shortcuts

Editing like a Pro: In this section, we will discuss Excel shortcut keys for editing. Follow these six steps to quickly edit your work and save time:

  1. Enter Edit Mode with F2
  2. Select Cells with Shift + Arrow Keys
  3. Delete Cells with Ctrl + –
  4. Copy Formulae in Bulk with Ctrl + D
  5. Paste Special using Alt + E + S
  6. Enter the same data in Multiple Cells with Ctrl + Enter

You can use these tips to boost your productivity when working on Excel documents.

Additionally, did you know that you can extract values based on criteria by using Advanced Filter? This feature allows you to filter out unique values or extract specific data based on multiple criteria in one go.

In a similar vein, a colleague once shared how he wished he knew about the “Transpose” feature sooner. It was only after spending hours organizing rows of data that they discovered the option to easily switch rows and columns around. They never looked back.

Why waste time manually formatting when Excel can do it with the click of a few keys? Let’s get shortcut-happy.

Formatting shortcuts

Speed up your Excel formatting tasks! Use Formatting shortcuts. This article explains the shortcut keys that make formatting simpler. There are two sub-sections:

  1. Font and style shortcuts
  2. Alignment and cell format shortcuts

Get ready to take your data formatting to the next level!

Font and style shortcuts

The keystroke combinations for modifying fonts and styles in Excel are a boon to users, enabling them to increase efficiency and productivity. These shortcuts allow one to avoid the tedium of navigating through several menus while working on spreadsheet data.

  • To quickly change the font size, highlight the cell or cells and press 'Ctrl' + 'Shift' + '>' or '<'.
  • To toggle through different font styles, select the cell(s) and press 'Ctrl' + 'Shift' + 'F'.
  • To alter the case of selected text instantly, highlight it and hit 'Shift' + 'F3'.
  • The ability to add/remove bolding or italicizing with a single keystroke is also an effortless way to change font style.

These shortcuts are essential time savers for users who require quick modification of fonts and styles during workflow. The flexibility offered through these keystrokes helps reduce user fatigue and ensures a more structured work process.

Examining history reveals that keyboard shortcuts have been ingrained in user interfaces from even before the graphical user interface (GUI) period. These traditional keyboard combinations significantly increased speed when performing tasks on computers as there were no windows, clickables, drag-and-drop or similar features available. Today's GUI environment consists mostly now of mouse clicks; however these still remain ingrained deeply within our mannerisms.

Get your cells in line with these alignment and format shortcuts - because a perfectly formatted spreadsheet is the virtual equivalent of folding fitted sheets.

Alignment and cell format shortcuts

The following section covers shortcuts related to the positioning and formatting of cells in Microsoft Excel. Here's how to execute these tasks quickly and efficiently.

  1. For quick alignment, press the keys Alt + H + A + C for center alignment, Alt + H + A + R for right-aligning text, and Alt + H + A + L for left-aligning.
  2. To add borders to your selected cells, simply press Alt + H+B.
  3. You can change the format of your data easily by pressing Ctrl+Shift+$ or Ctrl+Shift% to display values as a currency or percentage respectively.

These shortcuts can help you save valuable time when working with large amounts of data. Additionally, Excel offers countless other shortcuts that can streamline your workflow even further.

According to a study by Saijo George, there are over 200 Excel keyboard shortcuts available that can save you over eight days' worth of work every year.

Speed up your data entry game with these shortcuts, because ain't nobody got time for manual inputting.

Data entry and manipulation shortcuts

For ease of data entry and manipulation in Excel 2016, we've got you covered! Here's two sub-sections:

  1. Data entry shortcuts: Discover efficient ways to enter data.
  2. Data manipulation shortcuts: Discover advanced techniques to manipulate data!

Data entry shortcuts

Data input acceleration techniques - Excel shortcut keys 2016: The ultimate list, provide a rapid pathway to ease the data entry process. Considering Data Input acceleration shortcuts, here are three key points for speedy data entry:

  • Select a range of cells by pressing Shift + Arrow keys or Ctrl + Shift + Arrow keys saving time spent in dragging and highlighting manually.
  • Pressing Tab allows for swift navigation from the first cell to subsequent cell entries, eliminating awkward hand movements inducing inefficiency and discomfort.
  • Type = and mouse-click on desired cell + operator to link cells without memorizing complicated formulas or spending unnecessary time on manual linking.

Boost productivity with unique Excel features like smart cut-copy-paste options, formatting, and custom-formatting custom lists. These options go beyond typical editing features such as undo-redo; ensuring one's data management has advanced levels of efficiency.

Completion of monotonous tasks within an assigned timeframe is critical in today's working environment. IT specialists agree that using Microsoft Excel shortcut keys elevates productivity exponentially. According to top economists operating in Hong Kong; progress towards higher business efficiency has been witnessed as Excel helps speed up mundane tasks concerning organization, providing clients with quality services at reasonable prices objectively.

Who needs a magician when you have Excel's data manipulation shortcuts to make your data disappear... or reappear?

Data manipulation shortcuts

Data manipulation involves complex and time-consuming processes that can slow down productivity. However, there are several efficient shortcuts to ease the process.

  • Use the Ctrl + Shift + Arrow keys for quick navigation through ranges of cells.
  • Repeat the last action by using F4 key, instead of manually replicating it several times
  • Transform selected cells at once with ‘Ctrl+Alt+V’ and select Transpose which is available as an option in Past Special.

To gain more efficiency and workflow improvements, users can customize shortcut keys into more personalized functionalities.

Excel shortcut keys evolved alongside changing demands of Excel users over time and provide insights into Microsoft's commitment to user-experience optimization.

Overall, these tips can help optimize a user's Excel experience, making data entry and manipulation quicker and less tedious.

Did you know that Microsoft introduced ribbon interface in Excel 2007, which revolutionized how users interact with spreadsheets? This interface displays essential functions in a single line rather than having them distributed throughout menus in past versions.

Formula errors are like exes, they always come back to haunt you - unless you use these handy Excel shortcuts.

Formula-related shortcuts

Want to use formulas in Excel with ease? Check out the Formula-related shortcuts! This section offers the "Formula-related shortcuts in Excel shortcut keys 2016: The Ultimate List". It includes two subsections. One on Formula entry shortcuts and one on Error-checking and auditing shortcuts. Get ready to explore!

Formula entry shortcuts

For those seeking efficient and quick ways to enter formulas in Excel, there are Formula-related shortcuts available. These shortcuts will save your time and effort as you can easily perform calculations without manually typing in each formula.

Here is a three-step guide to using Formula entry shortcuts:

  1. Start by pressing the 'equals' (=) sign, which is the universal symbol for starting a formula.
  2. Enter the appropriate operators (+,-,/,*), numbers, cell ranges, or cell references you want to use for your calculation.
  3. To complete the process, press Enter or Tab. You can also use Ctrl+Shift+Enter if you want to produce an array formula containing multiple values.

It is important to note that these shortcuts work best when working with simpler formulas such as SUBTOTAL, SUM, AVERAGE, and COUNTIF.

Lastly, it's interesting to note that Microsoft releases new keyboard shortcuts for Excel with every updated version. According to Business Insider (source), "Excel has more than 500 functions and almost 10% of Office workers use it on a daily basis."

Finding errors in your Excel sheet is like playing detective, but with less action and more coffee.

Error-checking and auditing shortcuts

The shortcuts related to detecting and correcting errors in Excel come under the category of tracking and verification. Here are a few vital Error-checking and auditing shortcuts that can help you streamline your work:

  • Track Errors: Highlight areas containing inconsistencies of formulas with =Ctrl + [`].
  • Error-checking options: Use proper error-checking tools in excel with Alt + E + I.
  • Auditing shortcuts: Trace cell references with Alt + M + L, which highlights the dependents & precedents.

Additionally, auditing every step of calculations is important for avoiding any mistakes. You can follow tracing formula/precedent arrows or receive an overview summary through different views.

Using Excel's shortcut keys lead to significant enhancements in productivity. According to research by Microsoft, using keyboard shortcuts saves 30-40% of time compared to using a mouse or touchpad.

Get ready to chart your way to success with these Excel shortcuts that'll have you graphically inclined in no time.

Chart and graph shortcuts

To efficiently create charts and graphs in Excel, utilize the following shortcuts. These commands aid in swiftly formatting, customizing, and maneuvering through these visually important elements.

ActionShortcut Key
Select data range for the chartAlt + JD
Create a chart on a new worksheetF11
Edit data labelsCtrl + 1
Move to next chart element for formattingCtrl + Shift + F6
Copy chart as a pictureCtrl + Alt + C

Furthermore, these shortcuts can save valuable time and make the chart creation process smoother.

Remember to utilize these handy shortcuts to improve Excel proficiency and expedite chart and graph creation. Don't miss out on optimizing your productivity with this Excel Shortcut Keys Chart: The Complete Guide.

Macro and VBA shortcuts

Macro and VBA shortcuts have revolutionized Excel automation. Here's how these time-saving tools work:

  1. Use Alt + F8 to open the Macro dialog box
  2. Record a macro by clicking "Record Macro" on the Developer tab
  3. Press F5 to run a macro
  4. Edit a macro by opening the VBA Editor with Alt + F11
  5. Debug a macro with F8
  6. Save a macro-enabled workbook with the ".xlsm" file extension

In addition to these basics, VBA allows for advanced programming to automate complex tasks in Excel.

Pro Tip: Explore the power of VBA to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow.

Excel Shortcut Keys Chart: The Complete Guide can help you master all of Excel's shortcut functions, including the ones discussed here.

Five Facts About Excel Shortcut Keys 2016: The Ultimate List:

  • ✅ Excel 2016 has over 200 shortcut keys that can significantly reduce work time. (Source: Spreadsheeto)
  • ✅ Shortcut keys can be customized and combined to create unique commands. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ The most commonly used shortcut keys include Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, and Ctrl+A. (Source: Spreadsheeto)
  • ✅ The F4 key is a powerful shortcut that can repeat the last command or action. (Source: Exceljet)
  • ✅ Keyboard shortcuts can be especially useful for tasks such as formatting, navigation, and formula entry. (Source: Microsoft)

FAQs about Excel Shortcut Keys 2016: The Ultimate List

What are some of the most useful Excel shortcut keys 2016 from the ultimate list?

Some of the most useful Excel shortcut keys 2016 from the ultimate list include Ctrl + C to copy a selected cell or range, Ctrl + V to paste, Ctrl + Z to undo, Alt + Enter to start a new line within a cell, and Ctrl + Home to go to the beginning of the worksheet.

Are there any keyboard shortcuts for formatting in Excel 2016?

Yes, there are several keyboard shortcuts for formatting in Excel 2016. Some examples include Ctrl + B to make text bold, Ctrl + I to italicize text, Ctrl + U to underline text, and Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.

How do I use the F4 key to repeat my last action in Excel 2016?

After performing an action in Excel 2016, you can press the F4 key to repeat that same action. For example, if you format a cell with a certain font size and then want to apply the same font size to another cell, you can select the second cell and press F4 to repeat the formatting.

What is the shortcut key for creating a chart in Excel 2016?

The shortcut key for creating a chart in Excel 2016 is Alt + F1. This will create a chart based on the data in your selected range and place it on the same worksheet.

Can I customize or create my own shortcut keys in Excel 2016?

Yes, you can customize or create your own shortcut keys in Excel 2016. To do this, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Customize... > Keyboard Shortcuts. From there, you can assign any unused key combination to a command or function.

Is there a way to quickly sum a selected range of cells in Excel 2016?

Yes, you can quickly sum a selected range of cells in Excel 2016 by pressing Alt + =. This will insert the SUM formula for the selected range and give you the total in the cell below.

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.