Excel shortcut keys and formatting tips | Free online courses

Excel shortcut keys and formatting tips | Free online courses

Are you drowning in endless rows and columns of data? Spending way too much time clicking through menus in Excel? Here’s the truth: if you work with data daily, mastering Excel shortcut keys isn’t optional; it’s essential.

With the right Excel formatting shortcuts, you can transform tedious hours into just a few seconds of efficient work. Let’s dive into why Excel shortcuts matter, the most useful ones you should know, and how to level up your skills with UniAthena’s online short courses.

Why Excel Matters More Than Ever

Excel has evolved far beyond its roots as a simple spreadsheet program. Today, it’s a powerhouse for data management, used across industries, such as finance, marketing, education, engineering, you name it.

• Accountants rely on it to automate reports.

• Data analysts use it to model large datasets.

• Teams worldwide collaborate in real time, thanks to cloud integrations with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive.

Whether you’re handling budgets, sales dashboards, or research data, Excel remains a skill every professional should master.

Essential Workbook Shortcut Keys

Before you start creating charts and running formulas, get familiar with Excel workbook shortcut keys. These commands will save you clicks and keep your workflow smooth:

• Ctrl + N → Create a new workbook

• Ctrl + O → Open an existing workbook

• Ctrl + S → Save your work instantly

• Ctrl + Tab → Switch between open workbooks

Want the full list? Explore the Mastering Excel Spreadsheet & Workbook - Formulas And Functions course free at UniAthena.


Excel Formatting Shortcuts You’ll Actually Use

Formatting isn’t just about making spreadsheets look good, it’s about making data easier to read and analyze. These Excel formatting shortcuts are must-knows:

• Ctrl + 1 → Bring up Excel’s formatting menu for selected cells

• Ctrl + Shift + $ → Format selected cells as currency instantly

• Ctrl + Shift + % → Format as percentage

• Ctrl + B → Bold selected text or numbers

Imagine the time you’ll save when styling your spreadsheets becomes second nature.

Advanced Excel Shortcut Keys & Functions

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to go further. If you want to master formulas, shortcuts, and automation, the Essentials of MS Excel - Formulas and Functions free course is a game-changer.

But here are a few advanced tricks to start with:

• Alt + = → AutoSum selected cells

• Ctrl + ; → Insert today’s date

• Ctrl + Shift + L → Turn filters on or off instantly

• Ctrl + T → Transform selected cells into a dynamic Excel table

Pivot Table Shortcuts for Power Users

If PivotTables are your best friend (or your worst nightmare), shortcut keys will make life easier:

• Alt + N + V → Insert a PivotTable

• Alt + Down Arrow → Display filter list

• Alt + Shift + → → Expand grouped data

• Alt + Shift + ← → Collapse grouped data

With these at your fingertips, analyzing data becomes seamless.

5 Game-Changing New Excel Functions

Microsoft keeps upgrading Excel, and these new functions can take your skills to the next level:

1. GROUPBY – Group data and calculate sums or averages automatically.

2. PIVOTBY – Combine formulas and PivotTables for smarter summaries.

3. PERCENTOF – Instantly calculate percentages without manual formulas.

4. BYCOL – Apply formulas across entire columns in one go.

5. BYROW – Do the same across rows, no copy-paste required.

Excel Skills in Nigeria: A Growing Demand

In Nigeria, Excel has become a critical skill for professionals and students alike. From finance to agriculture, industries are rapidly digitizing, and employers increasingly expect Excel proficiency.

Upskilling with UniAthena’s online short courses gives Nigerian learners an edge, especially with certifications like the Diploma in Microsoft Excel. Whether you’re a student aiming for better career opportunities or a professional looking to boost productivity, Excel shortcuts and formulas can set you apart in the job market.

Conclusion: Start Your Excel Journey Today

The secret to working smarter is simple: learn and apply Excel shortcut keys. They’ll cut down your workload, improve accuracy, and give you confidence in handling data.

Ready to go beyond shortcuts? Check out UniAthena’s free courses:

• Mastering Excel Spreadsheet & Workbook - Formulas And Functions

• Essentials of MS Excel Formulas and Functions free course

• Diploma in Microsoft Excel

These programs are designed to help you learn fast, practice effectively, and even earn certifications that stand out on your resume.

Pro Tip: Start Small, Scale Fast

Begin with universal shortcuts like:

• Ctrl + C → Copy

• Ctrl + V → Paste

• Ctrl + A → Select All

These apply across MS Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook), making your overall productivity soar.

So why wait? Explore UniAthena’s courses today and take your Excel mastery to the next level.