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SkillSnap Official GuideUpdated 7/24/2026
Microsoft Excel
The ultimate tool for data analysis. This guide covers essential shortcuts and the 'Must-Know' formulas for power users.
Essentials & File Management
Create new workbookCtrl + N
Open workbookCtrl + O
Save workbookCtrl + S
Save AsF12
Close current workbookCtrl + W
PrintCtrl + P
Data Entry & Editing
Edit active cellF2
Start new line in same cellAlt + Enter
Insert current dateCtrl + ;
Insert current timeCtrl + Shift + :
Fill Down (Copy from cell above)Ctrl + D
Fill Right (Copy from cell left)Ctrl + R
Redo last actionCtrl + Y
Open Paste Special DialogCtrl + Alt + V
Formatting Cells
Open Format Cells DialogCtrl + 1
Bold / Italic / UnderlineCtrl + B / I / U
StrikethroughCtrl + 5
Apply Currency FormatCtrl + Shift + $
Apply Percentage FormatCtrl + Shift + %
Apply General FormatCtrl + Shift + ~
Add Borders (Ribbon Shortcut)Alt + H + B
Navigation & Selection
Jump to edge of data regionCtrl + Arrows
Select to edge of data regionCtrl + Shift + Arrows
Go to cell A1Ctrl + Home
Go to last used cellCtrl + End
Switch Worksheet TabsCtrl + PgUp / PgDn
Select entire rowShift + Space
Select entire columnCtrl + Space
Formulas: Basic & Logic
AutoSum (Insert SUM formula)Alt + =
Totals numbers in a range=SUM(range)
Returns the average of range=AVERAGE(range)
Counts cells with numbers=COUNT(range)
Checks a condition (Logic)=IF(test, true, false)
Vertical lookup (Finds data in col 1)=VLOOKUP(...)
Formulas: Statistical & Analysis
Sum cells matching one condition=SUMIF(range, criteria)
Sum cells matching multiple conditions=SUMIFS(...)
Count cells matching one condition=COUNTIF(range, criteria)
Count cells matching multiple conditions=COUNTIFS(...)
Average of cells matching a condition=AVERAGEIF(...)
Formulas: Date & Financial
Returns current date (Dynamic)=TODAY()
Returns current date and time=NOW()
Calculates difference between dates=DATEDIF(start, end, unit)
Calculates loan payments=PMT(rate, nper, pv)
Data Tools & Analysis
Create TableCtrl + T
Toggle FiltersCtrl + Shift + L
Create Embedded ChartAlt + F1
Flash Fill (Auto-pattern matching)Ctrl + E
Show/Hide Formulas in cellsCtrl + `
Pro Tips
💡F4 is the 'Magic Key' - it repeats your last action (like formatting) and also toggles absolute references ($A$1) in formulas.
💡Use 'XLOOKUP' instead of 'VLOOKUP' in newer Excel versions—it's faster, searches in any direction, and doesn't break if you insert columns.
💡Double-click the 'Format Painter' to apply the same format to multiple different selections.
💡If your dates look like numbers (e.g., 44505), press Ctrl+Shift+# to format them back to Dates.