50 Excel Shortcuts That Save Hours on Homework (Cheat Sheet 2026)

Ctrl+T (Format as Table) — it names your data, auto-expands formulas and pivots, and bands rows for readability. One keystroke that upgrades every workbook.

Click the first cell, then Ctrl+Shift+Arrow to extend to the data edge in each direction. For filtered lists, add Alt+; to select visible cells only before copying.

In the formula bar, F4 cycles reference locks ($A$1 → A$1 → $A1 → A1). Outside editing, F4 repeats your last action — formatting, inserts, even deletions.

Yes: Ctrl+Backtick toggles between values and formulas across the sheet — the fastest way to audit a workbook before submitting.