March 30, 2022
Author: Lorman Education
Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool, which sometimes mean it can be cumbersome to use. By mastering shortcuts, you can execute common tasks much more efficiently. Learn the top 5 shortcuts to increase productivity.
1. Insert a new Worksheet
If your workbooks involve multiple sheets, it can pay to know how to quickly add new sheets.
With a workbook open, press and hold the SHIFT key. Now tap F11 and release both. You should see a new worksheet at the bottom of the page.
You can repeat this action as many times as you need, adding dozens of sheets in a flash.
2. Enter SUM Functions
The SUM function is used to add up a set of data. To execute this, the data must be entered into consecutive rows in the same column of a worksheet.
Click on any empty row after the last row of data to make it active. Press down the ALT key and tap the equal sign (=) on your keyboard. Then, release the ALT key and you will be able to see the sum function in the selected row cell. Press the ENTER key to execute it and view the resultant sum in the selected cell.
3. Insert a Hyperlink
Hyperlinks are an important feature of many Excel reports. To add a hyperlink via a shortcut, you must first add your anchor text, or the text that will be displayed, in a cell of your workbook.
Click on the cell containing your anchor text, hold down CTRL and tap 'K'. This will open up the 'Insert Hyperlink' dialog box. Enter the URL in the 'Address' text box and click OK.
You will notice that the text becomes blue and underlined, indicating that it holds a hyperlink.
4. Display Formulas
The ‘show formulas’ function changes the way the spreadsheet is displayed without changing the content. It shows all formulas used in the spreadsheet and will make it easy for you when looking for errors.
Press down your CTRL key and tap the grave accent (`), or the key above 'TAB,' to turn on ‘show formulas’.
5. Select Non-Adjacent Cells
Selecting multiple cells allows you to apply formatting or other options for large areas in your worksheet simultaneously. You likely use the drag select tool already to quickly highlight adjacent cells, but non-adjacent cells require additional clicks.
Click on the first cell, hold down CTRL, and click on all the other cells you want to select. Then release CTRL.
You will notice that all the cells you clicked on will be highlighted and ready for formatting.
In Conclusion
Excel shortcut keys can save you hours of manual work. For more time-saving tips and tricks, browse dozens of live and ondemand courses now.