Excel contains over 400 built-in functions, and a number of related shortcuts. To start off, there’s a shortcut for the Autosum feature, which automatically enters the SUM function. Select a range that includes a blank cell, then use Alt + = on Windows, Command + Shift + T on a Mac. You can use this for both rows and columns. You can even Autosum an entire table. When you’re entering a function, you can use autocomplete. Start typing the function name, then use TAB to complete a match. On a Mac, you’ll need to use the down arrow key to select the best match first. Note that when you’re entering a single function, you don’t need to enter a closing parentheses. Excel will do that for you. You can also enter a function using Shift + F3 in Windows, fn + Shift + F3 on a Mac. Once you choose a function, the Function Arguments dialog will open. This dialog gives you some useful real-time information, and automatically adds double quotes ("") to arguments when necessary. After you enter a formula, you can use the same shortcut to open the dialog again. You can also open the Function Arguments dialog directly when you’re entering a formula. After the function is recognized, just type Control + A. You can also have Excel enter the function arguments for you. Once a function is recognized, type Control + Shift + A. Then just double click to select and replace. Remember that you can use function screen tips to navigate and select specific arguments precisely. When functions require multiple cell references, you don’t need to enter a comma. Just hold down the control key in windows or command key on the mac and click. Excel will enter commas as needed.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
