How to Use SUMIFS to Analyse Data Like a Pro
If you’re still using SUM and IF separately to crunch numbers in Excel, it’s time to level up. SUMIFS is one of Excel’s most powerful functions for analysing data — and it’s surprisingly eas...
Read MoreWhen it comes to working efficiently in Excel, keyboard shortcuts aren’t just time-savers — they’re game-changers.
As a trainer, I use dozens of shortcuts, but there are three that I rely on every single day. Whether I’m building complex formulas, cleaning up data, or helping a client automate a process, these shortcuts keep my workflow smooth and fast.
Let’s walk through them.
**1. CTRL + Arrow Keys — Jump to the Edges**
This is the single best way to move quickly through a spreadsheet. Instead of scrolling or dragging, CTRL + Arrow will take you to the edge of a block of data — either up, down, left, or right.
Use case: Want to jump from the top of a column to the bottom of your data set in one keystroke? CTRL + ↓ will do it. Combine it with SHIFT to select as you go.
This shortcut saves countless seconds that add up to minutes over a full workday.
**2. CTRL + SHIFT + L — Turn Filters On or Off**
Need to filter a table quickly? This shortcut toggles filters on and off in an instant.
Use case: Say you’re working with a client’s messy data dump — you click on any cell in the header row, press CTRL + SHIFT + L, and boom: filters are active. You’re ready to sort, filter, and make sense of the mess.
**3. ALT + E, S, V — Paste Special (Values Only)**
Pasting values is one of the most common Excel tasks — especially when copying formulas you don’t want to auto-update. ALT + E, S, V (pressed in sequence, not all at once) opens the Paste Special window and pastes values only.
Use case: You’ve just used a formula to clean a column of data. Now you want to keep the cleaned results but remove the formulas. Paste Special Values is your friend.
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These shortcuts are universal, reliable, and easy to learn. If you’re still reaching for the mouse every time, try adding just one of these to your daily routine. You’ll be surprised at how much smoother Excel feels.
Want more like this? That’s exactly the kind of practical stuff I include in training sessions — real tools for real work.
