Microsoft®

Excel Cheat Sheet

Basic Skills

The Excel Program Screen Keyboard Shortcuts

General
Quick Access Toolbar Title Bar Formula Bar Close Button
Open a workbook....................... Ctrl + O
Create a new workbook ........... Ctrl + N
File Tab Save a workbook ....................... Ctrl + S
Ribbon Print a workbook ........................ Ctrl + P
Close a workbook ...................... Ctrl + W
Name Help ............................................... F1
Box
Activate Tell Me field ................ Alt + Q
Active Cell Spell check .................................. F7
Columns
Calculate worksheets ............... F9
Create absolute reference ... F4
Scroll Bars
Rows Navigation
Move between cells .................. , , , →
Right one cell.............................. Tab
Left one cell ................................ Shift + Tab
Down one cell ............................ Enter
Up one cell .................................. Shift + Enter
Worksheet Tab Views Zoom Down one screen....................... Page Down
Slider To first cell of active row.......... Home
Enable End mode ...................... End
Getting Started To cell A1 .................................... Ctrl + Home
To last cell ................................... Ctrl + End
Create a Workbook: Click the File Select an Entire Worksheet: Click the
tab and select New or press Ctrl + Select All button where the Editing
N. Double-click a workbook. column and row headings meet.
Cut................................................. Ctrl + X
Open a Workbook: Click the File tab Select Non-Adjacent Cells: Click the Copy.............................................. Ctrl + C
and select Open or press Ctrl + O. first cell or cell range, hold down the
Ctrl key, and select any non-adjacent Paste............................................. Ctrl + V
Select a recent file or navigate to the
location where the file is saved. cell or cell range. Undo ............................................. Ctrl + Z
Redo ............................................. Ctrl + Y
Preview and Print a Workbook: Click Cell Address: Cells are referenced by
the coordinates made from their Find ............................................... Ctrl + F
the File tab and select Print.
column letter and row number, such Replace........................................ Ctrl + H
Undo: Click the Undo button on as cell A1, B2, etc.
Edit active cell ............................ F2
the Quick Access Toolbar.
Clear cell contents .................... Delete
Redo or Repeat: Click the Redo
button on the Quick Access Toolbar. Formatting
The button turns to Repeat once Jump to a Cell: Click in the Name
everything has been re-done. Box, type the cell address you want Bold ............................................... Ctrl + B
to go to, and press Enter. Italics ............................................ Ctrl + I
Use Zoom: Click and drag the zoom
Change Views: Click a View button in Underline ..................................... Ctrl + U
slider to the left or right.
the status bar. Or, click the View tab Open Format Cells Ctrl + Shift
Select a Cell: Click a cell or use the and select a view. dialog box.................................... + F
keyboard arrow keys to select it. Select All ..................................... Ctrl + A
Recover an Unsaved Workbook:
Select a Cell Range: Click and drag Restart Excel. If a workbook can be Select entire row........................ Shift + Space
to select a range of cells. Or, press recovered, it will appear in the Select entire column ................. Ctrl + Space
and hold down the Shift key while Document Recovery pane. Or, click
Hide selected rows.................... Ctrl + 9
using the arrow keys to move the the File tab, click Recover unsaved
selection to the last cell of the range. workbooks to open the pane, and Hide selected columns ............ Ctrl + 0
select a workbook from the pane.
Edit a Workbook Basic Formatting Insert Objects

Edit a Cell’s Contents: Select a cell and click in Format Text: Use the commands in the Font Complete a Series Using AutoFill: Select the
the Formula Bar or double-click the cell. Edit group on the Home tab or click the dialog box cells that define the pattern, i.e. a series of
the cell’s contents and press Enter. launcher in the Font group to open the dialog months or years. Click and drag the fill handle
box. to adjacent blank cells to complete the series.
Clear a Cell’s Contents: Select the cell(s) and
press the Delete key. Or, click the Clear Format Values: Use the commands in the
button on the Home tab and select Clear Number group on the Home tab or click the
dialog box launcher in the Number group to Insert an Image: Click the Insert tab on the
Contents.
open the Format Cells dialog box. ribbon, click either the Pictures or Online
Cut or Copy Data: Select cell(s) and click the Pictures button in the Illustrations group,
Cut or Copy button on the Home tab. Wrap Text in a Cell: Select the cell(s) that select the image you want to insert, and click
contain text you want to wrap and click the Insert.
Paste Data: Select the cell where you want to Wrap Text button on the Home tab.
paste the data and click the Paste button in Insert a Shape: Click the Insert tab on the
the Clipboard group on the Home tab. Merge Cells: Select the cells you want to ribbon, click the Shapes button in the
merge. Click the Merge & Center button list Illustrations group, and select the shape you
Preview an Item Before Pasting: Place the arrow on the Home tab and select a merge wish to insert.
insertion point where you want to paste, click option.
the Paste button list arrow in the Clipboard Hyperlink: Text or Images: Select the text or
group on the Home tab, and hold the mouse Cell Borders and Shading: Select the cell(s) you graphic you want to use as a hyperlink. Click
over a paste option to preview. want to format. Click the Borders button the Insert tab, then click the Link button.
and/or the Fill Color button and select an Choose a type of hyperlink in the left pane of
Paste Special: Select the destination cell(s), option to apply to the selected cell. the Insert Hyperlink dialog box. Fill in the
click the Paste button list arrow in the necessary informational fields in the right pane,
Clipboard group on the Home tab, and select Copy Formatting with the Format Painter: then click OK.
Paste Special. Select an option and click OK. Select the cell(s) with the formatting you want
to copy. Click the Format Painter button in Modify Object Properties and Alternative Text:
Move or Copy Cells Using Drag and Drop: the Clipboard group on the Home tab. Then, Right-click an object. Select Edit Alt Text in
Select the cell(s) you want to move or copy, select the cell(s) you want to apply the copied the menu and make the necessary
position the pointer over any border of the formatting to. modifications under the Properties and Alt Text
selected cell(s), then drag to the destination headings.
cells. To copy, hold down the Ctrl key before Adjust Column Width or Row Height: Click and
starting to drag. drag the right border of the column header or
View and Manage Worksheets
the bottom border of the row header. Double-
Find and Replace Text: Click the Find & click the border to AutoFit the column or row Insert a New Worksheet: Click the Insert
Select button, select Replace. Type the text according to its contents. Worksheet button next to the sheet tabs
you want to find in the Find what box. Type the below the active sheet. Or, press Shift + F11.
replacement text in the Replace with box. Click
Basic Formulas
the Replace All or Replace button. Delete a Worksheet: Right-click the sheet tab
Enter a Formula: Select the cell where you want and select Delete from the menu.
Check Spelling: Click the Review tab and click
to insert the formula. Type = and enter the
the Spelling button. For each result, select formula using values, cell references, Hide a Worksheet: Right-click the sheet tab
a suggestion and click the Change/Change and select Hide from the menu.
operators, and functions. Press Enter.
All button. Or, click the Ignore/Ignore All
button. Insert a Function: Select the cell where you Rename a Worksheet: Double-click the sheet
want to enter the function and click the Insert tab, enter a new name for the worksheet, and
Insert a Column or Row: Right-click to the right press Enter.
Function button next to the formula bar.
of the column or below the row you want to
insert. Select Insert in the menu, or click the Reference a Cell in a Formula: Type the cell Change a Worksheet’s Tab Color: Right-click
Insert button on the Home tab. reference (for example, B5) in the formula or the sheet tab, select Tab Color, and choose
click the cell you want to reference. the color you want to apply.
Delete a Column or Row: Select the row or
column heading(s) you want to remove. Right- SUM Function: Click the cell where you want to Move or Copy a Worksheet: Click and drag a
click and select Delete from the contextual insert the total and click the Sum button in worksheet tab left or right to move it to a new
menu, or click the Delete button in the Cells the Editing group on the Home tab. Enter the location. Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking
group on the Home tab. cells you want to total, and press Enter. and dragging to copy the worksheet.

Hide Rows or Columns: Select the rows or MIN and MAX Functions: Click the cell where Switch Between Excel Windows: Click the
columns you want to hide, click the Format you want to place a minimum or maximum View tab, click the Switch Windows
button on the Home tab, select Hide & value for a given range. Click the Sum button, and select the window you want to
Unhide, and select Hide Rows or Hide button list arrow on the Home tab and select make active.
Columns. either Min or Max. Enter the cell range you
Freeze Panes: Activate the cell where you want
want to reference, and press Enter.
to freeze the window, click the View tab on the
Basic Formatting
COUNT Function: Click the cell where you want ribbon, click the Freeze Panes button in the
Change Cell Alignment: Select the cell(s) you to place a count of the number of cells in a Window group, and select an option from the
want to align and click a vertical alignment range that contain numbers. Click the Sum list.
, , button or a horizontal alignment button list arrow on the Home tab and select
Select a Print Area: Select the cell range you
, , button in the Alignment group on the Count Numbers. Enter the cell range you want
want to print, click the Page Layout tab on the
Home tab. to reference, and press Enter.
ribbon, click the Print Area button, and
select Set Print Area.
 Microsoft®

Excel Cheat Sheet

Intermediate Skills

Chart Elements Chart Options

Chart Chart Types
Chart Title Elements
Column: Used to compare
different values vertically side-by-
Chart side. Each value is represented in
Styles the chart by a vertical bar.

Data Line: Used to illustrate trends

Bar Chart over time (days, months, years).
Filters Each value is plotted as a point
on the chart and values are
connected by a line.

Chart Pie: Useful for showing values as

Area a percentage of a whole when all
the values add up to 100%. The
values for each item are
represented by different colors.
Gridline Bar: Similar to column charts,
except they display information in
horizontal bars rather than in
Axis vertical columns.
Titles
Area: Similar to line charts,
except the areas beneath the
Legend
lines are filled with color.

XY (Scatter): Used to plot

Charts Charts clusters of values using single
points. Multiple items can be
Create a Chart: Select the cell range that contains Insert a Sparkline: Select the cells you want to plotted by using different colored
the data you want to chart. Click the Insert tab on summarize. Click the Insert tab and select the points or different point symbols.
the ribbon. Click a chart type button in the Charts sparkline you want to insert. In the Location Range
group and select the chart you want to insert. field, enter the cell or cell range to place the Stock: Effective for reporting the
sparkline and click OK. fluctuation of stock prices, such
Move or Resize a Chart: Select the chart. Place as the high, low, and closing
the cursor over the chart’s border and, with the 4- Create a Dual Axis Chart: Select the cell range you points for a certain day.
headed arrow showing, click and drag to move want to chart, click the Insert tab, click the
it. Or, click and drag a sizing handle to resize it. Combo button, and select a combo chart type. Surface: Useful for finding
optimum combinations between
Change the Chart Type: Select the chart and click two sets of data. Colors and
the Design tab. Click the Change Chart Type
Print and Distribute patterns indicate values that are
button and select a different chart. in the same range.
Set the Page Size: Click the Page Layout tab.
Filter a Chart: With the chart you want to filter Click the Size button and select a page size.
Additional Chart Elements
selected, click the Filter button next to it.
Set the Print Area: Select the cell range you want
Deselect the items you want to hide from the chart Data Labels: Display values from the cells
to print. Click the Page Layout tab, click the Print
view and click the Apply button. of the worksheet on the plot area of the
Area button, and select Set Print Area.
chart.
Position a Chart’s Legend: Select the chart, click
Print Titles, Gridlines, and Headings: Click the
the Chart Elements button, click the Legend Data Table: A table added next to the
Page Layout tab. Click the Print Titles button
button, and select a position for the legend. chart that shows the worksheet data the
and set which items you wish to print.
chart is illustrating.
Show or Hide Chart Elements: Select the chart
Add a Header or Footer: Click the Insert tab and
and click the Chart Elements button. Then, Error Bars: Help you quickly identify
click the Header & Footer button. Complete the
use the check boxes to show or hide each standard deviations and error margins.
header and footer fields.
element.
Adjust Margins and Orientation: Click the Page Trendline: Identifies the trend of the
Insert a Trendline: Select the chart where you want current data, not actual values. Can also
Layout tab. Click the Margins button to select
to add a trendline. Click the Design tab on the identify forecasts for future data.
from a list of common page margins. Click the
ribbon and click the Add Chart Element
Orientation button to choose Portrait or
button. Select Trendline from the menu.
Landscape orientation.
Intermediate Formulas Manage Data Tables
Absolute References: Absolute references Export Data: Click the File tab. At the left, Remove Duplicate Values: Click any cell in the
always refer to the same cell, even if the select Export and click Change File Type. table and click the Data tab on the ribbon. Click
formula is moved. In the formula bar, add dollar Select the file type you want to export the data the Remove Duplicates button. Select
signs ($) to the reference you want to remain to and click Save As. which columns you want to check for duplicates
absolute (for example, $A$1 makes the and click OK.
column and row remain constant). Import Data: Click the Data tab on the ribbon
and click the Get Data button. Select the Insert a Slicer: With any cell in the table
Name a Cell or Range: Select the cell(s), click category and data type, and then the file you selected, click the Design tab on the ribbon.
the Name box in the Formula bar, type a name want to import. Click Import, verify the Click the Insert Slicer button. Select the
for the cell or range, and press Enter. Names preview, and then click the Load button. columns you want to use as slicers and click
can be used in formulas instead of cell OK.
addresses, for example: =B4*Rate. Use the Quick Analysis Tools: Select the cell
range you want to summarize. Click the Quick Table Style Options: Click any cell in the table.
Reference Other Worksheets: To reference Analysis button that appears. Select the Click the Design tab on the ribbon and select
another worksheet in a formula, add an analysis tool you want to use. Choose from an option in the Table Style Options group.
exclamation point ‘!’ after the sheet name in formatting, charts, totals, tables, or sparklines.
the formula, for example: =FebruarySales!B4. Intermediate Formatting
Outline and Subtotal: Click the Data tab on the
Reference Other Workbooks: To reference ribbon and click the Subtotal button. Use Apply Conditional Formatting: Select the cells
another workbook in a formula, add brackets the dialog box to define which column you want you want to format. On the Home tab, click the
‘[ ]’ around the file name in the formula, for to subtotal and the calculation you want to use. Conditional Formatting button. Select a
example: Click OK. conditional formatting category and then the
=[FebruarySales.xlsx]Sheet1!$B$4. rule you want to use. Specify the format to
Use Flash Fill: Click in the cell to the right of the
apply and click OK.
Order of Operations: When calculating a cell(s) where you want to extract or combine
formula, Excel performs operations in the data. Start typing the data in the column. When Apply Cell Styles: Select the cell(s) you want to
following order: Parentheses, Exponents, a pattern is recognized, Excel predicts the format. On the Home tab, click the Cell Styles
Multiplication and Division, and finally Addition remaining values for the column. Press Enter button and select a style from the menu. You
and Subtraction (as they appear left to right). to accept the Flash Fill values. can also select New Cell Style to define a
Use this mnemonic device to remember them: custom style.
Create a Data Validation Rule: Select the cells
Please Parentheses you want to validate. Click the Data tab and Apply a Workbook Theme: Click the Page
click the Data Validation button. Click the Layout tab on the ribbon. Click the Themes
Excuse Exponents
Allow list arrow and select the data you want button and select a theme from the menu.
My Multiplication to allow. Set additional validation criteria
options and click OK.
Dear Division Collaborate with Excel
Aunt Addition Tables Add a Cell Comment: Click the cell where you
Sally Subtraction want to add a comment. Click the Review tab
Format a Cell Range as a Table: Select the on the ribbon and click the New Comment
cells you want to apply table formatting to. Click button. Type your comment and then click
Concatenate Text: Use the CONCAT function the Format as Table button in the Styles
=CONCAT(text1,text2,…) to join the text outside of it to save the text.
group of the Home tab and select a table
from multiple cells into a single cell. Use the format from the gallery. Invite People to Collaborate: Click the Share
arguments within the function to define the text
button on the ribbon. Enter the email addresses
you want to combine as well as any spaces or
of people you want to share the workbook with.
punctuation.
Click the permissions button, select a
Payment Function: Use the PMT function permission level, and click Apply. Type a short
=PMT(rate,nper,pv,…) to calculate a loan message and click Send.
amount. Use the arguments within the function
Co-author Workbooks: When another user
to define the loan rate, number of periods, and
opens the workbook, click the user’s picture or
present value and Excel calculates the
initials on the ribbon, to see what they are
payment amount.
editing. Cells being edited by others appear
Sort Data: Select a cell in the column you want with a colored border or shading.
Date Functions: Date functions are used to add to sort. Click the Sort & Filter button on the
a specific date to a cell. Some common date Home tab. Select a sort order or select Protect a Worksheet: Before protecting a
functions in Excel include: Custom Sort to define specific sort criteria. worksheet, you need to unlock any cells you
Date =DATE(year,month,day) want to remain editable after the protection is
Filter Data: Click the filter arrow for the applied. Then, click the Review tab on the
Today =TODAY() column you want to filter. Uncheck the boxes ribbon and click the Protect Sheet button.
for any data you want to hide. Click OK. Select what you want to remain editable after
Now =NOW()
the sheet is protected.
Add Table Rows or Columns: Select a cell in
Display Worksheet Formulas: Click the the row or column next to where you want to Add a Workbook Password: Click the File tab
Formulas tab on the ribbon and then click the add blank cells. Click the Insert button list and select Save As. Click Browse to select a
Show Formulas button. Click the Show arrow on the Home tab. Select either Insert save location. Click the Tools button in the
Formulas button again to turn off the Table Rows Above or Insert Table Columns dialog box and select General Options. Set a
formula view. to the Left. password to open and/or modify the workbook.
Click OK.
 Microsoft®

Excel Cheat Sheet

Advanced Skills

PivotTable Elements PivotTable Layout

PivotTable Fields PivotTable Fields Pane
Pane
The PivotTable Fields pane controls how
Active PivotTable Search PivotTable Fields Pane data is represented in the PivotTable.
Fields Options Click anywhere in the PivotTable to
activate the pane. It includes a Search
field, a scrolling list of fields (these are
Tools the column headings in the data range
Menu used to create the PivotTable), and four
areas in which fields are placed. These
four areas include:
Field
Filters: If a field is placed in the
List
Filters area, a menu appears above
the PivotTable. Each unique value
from the field is an item in the
menu, which can be used to filter
PivotTable data.

Column Labels: The unique

values for the fields placed in the
Columns area appear as column
headings along the top of the
PivotTable.

Row Labels: The unique values for

PivotTable Field the fields placed in the Rows area
Areas appear as row headings along the
left side of the PivotTable.
PivotTables PivotCharts
Values: The values are the “meat”
Create a PivotTable: Select the data range to be Create a PivotChart: Click any cell in a PivotTable of the PivotTable, or the actual data
used by the PivotTable. Click the Insert tab on and click the Analyze tab on the ribbon. Click the that’s calculated for the fields
the ribbon and click the PivotTable button in PivotChart button in the Tools group. Select a placed in the rows and/or columns
the Tables group. Verify the range and then click PivotChart type and click OK. area. Values are most often
OK. numeric calculations.
Modify PivotChart Data: Drag fields into and out of
Add Multiple PivotTable Fields: Click a field in the the field areas in the task pane. Not all PivotTables will have a field in
field list and drag it to one of the four PivotTable each area, and sometimes there will be
areas that contains one or more fields. Refresh a PivotChart: With the PivotChart selected, multiple fields in a single area.
click the Analyze tab on the ribbon. Click the
Filter PivotTables: Click and drag a field from the Refresh button in the Data group. The Layout Group
field list into the Filters area. Click the field’s list
arrow above the PivotTable and select the Modify PivotChart Elements: With the PivotChart
value(s) you want to filter. selected, click the Design tab on the ribbon. Click
the Add Chart Element button in the Chart
Group PivotTable Values: Select a cell in the Elements group and select the item(s) you want to
PivotTable that contains a value you want to add to the chart.
group by. Click the Analyze tab on the ribbon
and click the Group Field button. Specify how Apply a PivotChart Style: Select the PivotChart and
Subtotals: Show or hide subtotals and
the PivotTable should be grouped and then click click the Design tab on the ribbon. Select a style
specify their location in the PivotTable.
OK. from the gallery in the Chart Styles group.
Grand Totals: Add or remove grand total
Refresh a PivotTable: With the PivotTable Update Chart Type: With the PivotChart selected,
rows for columns and/or rows.
selected, click the Analyze tab on the ribbon. click the Design tab on the ribbon. Click the
Click the Refresh button in the Data group. Change Chart Type button in the Type group. Report Layout: Adjust the report layout to
Select a new chart type and click OK. show in compact, outline, or tabular form.
Format a PivotTable: With the PivotTable
selected, click the Design tab. Then, select Enable PivotChart Drill Down: Click the Analyze Blank Rows: Emphasize groups of data
desired formatting options from the PivotTable tab. Click the Field Buttons list arrow in the by manually adding blank rows between
Options group and the PivotTable Styles group Show/Hide group and select Show grouped items.
Expand/Collapse Entire Field Buttons.
Macros Advanced Formatting Advanced Formulas
Enable the Developer Tab: Click the File tab Customize Conditional Formatting: Click the VLOOKUP: Looks for and retrieves data from a
and select Options. Select Customize Conditional Formatting button on the specific column in a table.
Ribbon at the left. Check the Developer Home tab and select New Rule. Select a rule
check box and click OK. type, then edit the styles and values. Click OK.

Record a Macro: Click the Developer tab on Edit a Conditional Formatting Rule: Click the
the ribbon and click the Record Macro Conditional Formatting button on the
button. Type a name and description then Home tab and select Manage Rules. Select the
specify where to save it. Click OK. Complete rule you want to edit and click Edit Rule. Make
the steps to be recorded. Click the Stop your changes to the rule. Click OK.
Recording button on the Developer tab.
Change the Order of Conditional Formatting
Run a Macro: Click the Developer tab on the Rules: Click the Conditional Formatting
ribbon and click the Macros button. Select button on the Home tab and select Manage
the macro and click Run. Rules. Select the rule you want to re-sequence.
Click the Move Up or Move Down arrow
Edit a Macro: Click the Developer tab on the until the rule is positioned correctly. Click OK.
ribbon and click the Macros button. Select a HLOOKUP: Looks for and retrieves data from a
macro and click the Edit button. Make the specific row in a table.
necessary changes to the Visual Basic code
Analyze Data
and click the Save button.
Goal Seek: Click the Data tab on the ribbon.
Click the What-If Analysis button and select
Delete a Macro: Click the Developer tab on
Goal Seek. Specify the desired value for the
the ribbon and click the Macros button.
given cell and which cell can be changed to
Select a macro and click the Delete button.
reach the desired result. Click OK.
Macro Security: Click the Developer tab on
the ribbon and click the Macro Security Advanced Formulas UPPER, LOWER, and PROPER: Changes how
button. Select a security level and click OK.
Nested Functions: A nested function is when text is capitalized.
one function is tucked inside another function as UPPER Case | lower case | Proper Case
Troubleshoot Formulas one of its arguments, like this:
Common Formula Errors:

• ####### - The column isn’t wide enough to

display all cell data.
• #NAME? - The text in the formula isn’t IF: Performs a logical test to return one value for LEFT and RIGHT: Extracts a given number of
recognized. a true result, and another for a false result. characters from the left or right.
• #VALUE! - There is an error with one or
more formula arguments.
• #DIV/0 - The formula is trying to divide a
value by 0.
• #REF! - The formula references a cell that
no longer exists.
MID: Extracts a given number of characters
Trace Precedents: Click the cell containing the AND, OR, NOT: Often used with IF to support from the middle of text; the example below
value you want to trace and click the Formulas multiple conditions. would return “day”.
tab on the ribbon. Click the Trace Precedents • AND requires multiple conditions.
button to see which cells affect the value in
the selected cell. • OR accepts several different conditions.
• NOT returns the opposite of the condition.
Jan Feb Total
6,010 7,010 13,020
MATCH: Locates the position of a lookup value
Error Checking: Select a cell containing an in a row or column.
error. Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon
and click the Error Checking button in the SUMIF and AVERAGEIF: Calculates cells that
Formula Auditing group. Use the dialog to meet a condition.
locate and fix the error.
• SUMIF finds the total.
The Watch Window: Select the cell you want to • AVERAGEIF finds the average. INDEX: Returns a value or the reference to a
watch. Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon
value from within a range.
and click the Watch Window button. Click
the Add Watch button. Ensure the correct
cell is identified and click Add.

Evaluate a Formula: Select a cell with a

formula. Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon
and click the Evaluate Formula button.