15 Essential and Useful Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks

“15 Essential and Useful Microsoft Excel Tips and Tricks”

Microsoft Excel stands as one of the most popular spreadsheet applications for swiftly processing data. However, for beginners, the process of creating Excel spreadsheets, mastering formulas, and functions can be intimidating. Fear not, as here are 15 essential and useful Microsoft Excel tips and tricks, catering to both beginners and those already proficient, to help you achieve optimal results.

1. One-Click to Select All

While Ctrl + A is a well-known shortcut for selecting all, few know that a single click on the corner button, as shown in the screenshot below, can swiftly select all data.

2. Navigate Between Different Excel Files

When working with multiple spreadsheets, switching between different files can be cumbersome. Utilize Ctrl + Tab to easily switch between different files with ease.

3. Add Diagonal Lines to Cells

For a more organized layout, you can add diagonal lines to cells. By selecting “More Borders” after clicking on Home -> Font -> Borders, you can discover additional options, including diagonal lines.

4. Add More Than One Row or Column at a Time

Rather than adding one row or column at a time, drag and select X rows or columns (where X is two or more), then right-click and choose “Insert” from the drop-down menu. This will insert X new rows or columns above or to the left of the initially selected ones.

5. Quickly Move and Copy Data in Cells

To swiftly move a column of data, select it, move the pointer to the border until it turns into a cross arrow, and drag to move freely. To copy, press Ctrl before dragging.

6. Delete Blank Cells Swiftly

To remove empty cells efficiently, filter the column with Data -> Filter, deselect “Select All,” choose the last option (Blanks), and delete them directly from the Home tab.

7. Quick Navigation with Ctrl + Arrow Keys

Pressing Ctrl + any arrow key allows you to jump to the edge of the sheet in different directions, aiding in quick navigation.

8. Move Data from Rows to Columns

Transpose data easily by copying the desired area, moving the cursor to an empty location, going to Home -> Paste -> Transpose.

9. Hide Data Effectively

Hide data comprehensively using the Format Cells function for a clean appearance. Select the area, go to Home -> Font -> Open Format Cells -> Number Tab -> Custom -> type ;;; -> Click OK.

10. Start with 0

Prevent Excel from automatically removing leading zeros by adding a single quotation mark before the zero. For example, ‘08123456789.

11. Rename Sheets with Double Click

Efficiently rename sheets by double-clicking on the sheet name rather than using the right-click menu.

12. Set Print Area

Highlight the cells you want to print, go to Page Layout, click on the drop-down under Print Area, and choose Set Print Area.

13. Create Simple Charts

Visualize data by highlighting the necessary data, navigating to the Insert tab, and choosing a simple chart.

14. Sort Data Easily

Sort large datasets quickly using the Sort & Filter option under the Data tab.

15. Save Files

After completing your work, save the file by clicking File at the top, choosing Save As if it’s the first save, selecting the location, entering the file name, choosing the file format, and clicking Save.

By incorporating these tips and tricks into your Excel workflow, you’ll enhance your efficiency and get the most out of this powerful spreadsheet tool.

BEST SELLING PRODUCTS