8 Time-Saving Tips for Excel

 Quick Tips

• Boost your productivity by memorizing important keyboard shortcuts.
• Use automated Excel processes like the Pivot Table and Auto Fill to complete tasks.
• Customize your toolbar to make frequently used tools easier to access.

Excel is wonderfully convenient for newcomers and spreadsheet veterans alike. However, it can take years to master, and even the most advanced power-users still don’t know some of the niftiest time-saving techniques.

Excel does much to make its functions and layouts as streamlined as possible, but it’s often hard to keep track of them all. If you’re looking to pick up some new skills and shortcuts, or are just looking for a quick refresh on some useful tips and tricks, this article has eight time-saving tips for Excel you’ll appreciate knowing.

Know Your Shortcuts

Shortcuts are the lifeblood of Excel, saving you the hassle of digging through menus for every task. Making these keystrokes second nature is a great way to enhance your Excel productivity. Here’s a list of the most important:

• Ctrl + Home – Go to the beginning of the spreadsheet.
• Ctrl + Space – Select the current column.
• Shift + Space – Select the current row.
• Ctrl + A – Press this once to select an entire data set, and twice to select the entire spreadsheet.
• Shift + Tab – Move to the previous cell.
• Ctrl + 0 – Hide the current column.
• Shift + 0 – Hide the current row.
• Ctrl + : – Enter the current date.
• Alt + H + B – Add a border to the current cell or selected cells.
• F4 – Apply absolute references to a formula.
• Ctrl + O – Open an existing spreadsheet.
• Ctrl + W – Close the current spreadsheet.
• Shift + F9 – Calculate your currently active worksheet.