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Grant Gamble

Are you an Excel user who would like to become more fluent and skillful in your use of Excel and, in particular, be able to use Excel shortcuts to increase your productivity and enhance your profile as an Excel user? If so, then this is the course you have been looking for.

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Are you an Excel user who would like to become more fluent and skillful in your use of Excel and, in particular, be able to use Excel shortcuts to increase your productivity and enhance your profile as an Excel user? If so, then this is the course you have been looking for.

Microsoft Excel Essential Skills by Drills consists of a five day cycle of Excel keyboard drills which you perform regularly (not just once), meaning that you are sure to remember these key Excel techniques. As an incentive to improve, each time you perform a drill, you will be given a confirmation of the time taken and you will be shown a leaderboard with your fastest five times.

Understanding Excel key concepts is one thing; but by constantly doing these drills, you will not only understand these key Excel features, you will become fluent in using them; and, more importantly, you will never forget them.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started

Download all the files required for the drills. (Don't forget to unZip the downloaded files.)

The drills in this section will help you gain fluency and familiarity with some of Excel's key data entry facilities.
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This drill provides practice on recognizing Excel's three worksheet cursors: selection, drag-and-drop and AutoFill.

This drill provides practice on the use of Excel's Flash Fill feature. And this is something that every Excel user needs to master: the ability to automatically enter data by simply giving Excel an example of what you want.

This drill provides practice on the creation of Excel custom lists to speed up data entry.

This drill provides practice on entering date sequences using Excel's AutoFill feature and then using AutoFill Options to modify the way that the date sequence is built.

This is a keyboard only drill and provides practice on changing cell contents and number and date formats using Excel's keyboard shortcuts.

The drills in this section focus on using keyboard shortcuts to highlight Excel's different data ranges and apply useful formatting using keyboard shortcuts.

This keyboard only drill provides practice on rapid keyboard navigation, selection of data and transferring data between different worksheets.

This drill provides practice on formatting cells and repeating operations. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill provides practice on horizontal and vertical cell orientation. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill provides practice on the use of Excel's Merge Across feature. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill is all about inserting space in a worksheet; it focuses on the distinction between inserting entire rows and inserting cells. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

In this section, you will be given the chance to improve your ability to quickly manipulating worksheet and workbooks. You will learn to deftly switch between workbooks and worksheets as you edit.

This drill provides you with practice on the quickest methods of navigating a workbook which contains a large number of worksheets and the quickest method of updating individual sheets. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill tests your Excel dexterity. How quickly can you reverse the order of sheets in a workbook? The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

In this drill you practice selecting multiple worksheet tabs and changing their attributes; in this case the tab colour. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

In this drill, you will practice the quickest method of taking a worksheet with a large number of worksheets and splitting it into several smaller workbooks. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

In this drill, you practice working in group mode; an Excel feature which allows you to edit multiple worksheets simultaneously. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

The drills in this section provide practice on controlling the appearance of your document both on screen at at print time. Keyboard only enthusiasts will have lots of chances to improve their skills.

This drill practices Excel's Compare Side by Side feature; but uses it to compare two worksheets from the same document. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill reminds you of the three variations available with Excel's Freeze Panes command. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill complements the skills practiced in the previous drill. This time, we look at the fastest way of reproducing key row and column titles on every page when you print a document. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill allows you to become fluent in the use of Excel's useful and under-used custom views feature. Practice this drill and you will be able to transform the appearance of large worksheets with just a few deft keystrokes. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

The final drill in this section reminds you of the quickest method of adding headers and footers to an Excel document.

Formulas are the lifeblood of an Excel worksheet and this section will help to increase the speed with which you can create formulas.

The first drill in this section provides practice in creating formulas using all the key components of Excel formulas: functions, cell references and operators. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill provides practice on the use of Excel's handy AutoSum tool and the keyboard equivalents. It also highlights the usefulness of being able to create a single formula and then copy it quickly into adjacent cells. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill allows you to constantly remind yourself of the distinction between relative and absolute references when building Excel formulas. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

This drill provides practice on building formulas that contain Excel's hybrid mixed cell references. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

The final drill in our cycle provides further practice on building Excel formulas and then focuses on the use of parentheses to override operator precedence. The drill can either be performed with the keyboard only or using standard Ribbon commands with the mouse.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Excel Basic Keyboard Shortcuts (Skills by Drills) with these activities:
Review Basic Excel Concepts
Solidify your understanding of fundamental Excel concepts before diving into keyboard shortcuts.
Browse courses on Excel Basics
Show steps
  • Review basic Excel terminology and interface elements.
  • Practice creating and saving basic spreadsheets.
  • Familiarize yourself with cell referencing and basic formulas.
Read 'Excel Keyboard Shortcuts'
Supplement your learning with a dedicated book on Excel keyboard shortcuts.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Excel Keyboard Shortcuts'.
  • Read the book and take notes on key shortcuts.
  • Practice the shortcuts as you read.
Practice Data Entry Shortcuts
Reinforce your learning by practicing data entry shortcuts regularly.
Show steps
  • Set aside time each day to practice data entry shortcuts.
  • Focus on shortcuts for common tasks like entering dates and numbers.
  • Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Cheat Sheet of Excel Shortcuts
Consolidate your knowledge by creating a personalized cheat sheet of Excel shortcuts.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of the most useful Excel shortcuts.
  • Organize the shortcuts by category or function.
  • Design a visually appealing and easy-to-use cheat sheet.
  • Share your cheat sheet with other Excel users.
Explore Advanced Excel Shortcut Tutorials
Expand your knowledge by exploring advanced Excel shortcut tutorials online.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific Excel tasks or functions.
  • Follow along with the tutorials and practice the shortcuts.
  • Take notes on new shortcuts and techniques.
Automate a Task with Excel Shortcuts
Apply your knowledge by automating a repetitive task using Excel shortcuts.
Show steps
  • Identify a task that you perform frequently in Excel.
  • Research and learn the shortcuts needed to automate the task.
  • Create a macro or script to automate the task.
  • Test and refine your automation solution.

Career center

Learners who complete Excel Basic Keyboard Shortcuts (Skills by Drills) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Entry Clerk
A data entry clerk is responsible for accurately inputting information into computer systems. This Excel skills course may be useful for a data entry clerk because it focuses on enhancing the efficiency and fluency of Excel use through keyboard shortcuts and drills. A data entry clerk will benefit from the section on data entry facilities such as AutoFill and Flash Fill to improve data entry speed and accuracy. The keyboard-only drills will also help increase efficiency. Improving these skills will lead to improved performance and accuracy.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course helps enhance an accountant's proficiency in using Excel. Accountants heavily rely on Excel for tasks such as preparing financial statements, analyzing data, and performing reconciliations. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation and analysis. The section on creating formulas and using different types of cell references are particularly useful to an accountant.
Bookkeeper
A bookkeeper records financial transactions and maintains financial records for an organization. This Excel skills course helps enhance skills in using Excel, a common tool for bookkeeping. The course emphasizes fluency and skillfulness in Excel, which is crucial for efficiently managing and analyzing financial data. The section on formulas may be useful, as it provides practice in creating formulas using functions, cell references, and operators. A bookkeeper will also benefit from learning keyboard shortcuts to speed up their work.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks to support an office. This Excel skills course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in using Excel efficiently. Administrative assistants often use Excel for tasks such as creating spreadsheets, managing data, and generating reports. This course allows students to practice using keyboard shortcuts to quickly navigate and manipulate data. Skills covered, such as formatting cells and repeating operations using keyboard shortcuts, are useful for anyone managing office documents effectively.
Business Analyst
Business analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course helps enhance a business anyalyst's proficiency in Excel, a tool used for data analysis and reporting. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation. Skills covered, such as creating custom views and comparing worksheets, are also useful for analyzing business data and identifying trends.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts analyze financial data and provide insights to guide investment decisions. While this role typically requires a master's degree, this Excel skills course may be useful in improving the efficiency of financial analysis. Financial analysts frequently use Excel to model data, perform calculations, and create reports. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation and analysis. The section on creating formulas, including those with cell references and operators, is extremely applicable to financial modeling.
Data Analyst
Data analysts interpret data and turn it into information which can offer ways to improve a business. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course may be useful in enhancing the efficiency of data analysis tasks. Data analysts often use Excel to sort data, perform calculations, and create visualizations. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation. Practicing formula building will also help the data analyst to perform more complex analysis.
Research Assistant
Research assistants assist researchers with collecting, analyzing, and presenting data. This Excel skills course may be useful for a research assistant because it enhances skills in using Excel for data management and analysis. Research assistants often use Excel to organize data, perform calculations, and create charts and graphs. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation and analysis. Skills covered, such as using the AutoSum tool and understanding cell references, are also useful for managing research data.
Office Manager
Office managers oversee the administrative activities of an office, ensuring smooth operations. This Excel skills course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in using Excel efficiently. Office managers often use Excel for tasks such as managing budgets, tracking expenses, and organizing data. This course allows students to practice using keyboard shortcuts to manage spreadsheets, create custom lists, and perform other office-related tasks more efficiently. Skills covered, such as formatting cells and repeating operations using keyboard shortcuts, are useful for managing office documents.
Inventory Manager
Inventory managers oversee the tracking and management of inventory levels within an organization. The Excel skills course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in using Excel for managing and analyzing inventory data effectively. Inventory managers frequently use Excel to track stock levels, monitor sales data, and generate reports. The course emphasizes fluency with keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data entry and manipulation. Skills covered, such as using the AutoSum tool and understanding cell references, are also useful for inventory analysis.
Project Coordinator
Project coordinators assist project managers in organizing and coordinating project activities. This Excel skills course may be useful because it helps build a foundation in using Excel for project tracking and data management. Project coordinators often use Excel to create schedules, track progress, and manage resources. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data entry and manipulation. Skills covered, such as formatting cells and managing worksheets, are also useful for organizing project-related information.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course may be useful in enhancing efficiency in data analysis. Market research analysts often use Excel to analyze survey data, track market trends, and create reports. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation and analysis. Skills covered, such as using AutoSum and managing worksheets, are also useful for organizing market research data.
Sales Operations Analyst
Sales operations analysts optimize sales processes and track sales performance metrics. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course helps enhance the speed of data analysis. Sales operations analysts use Excel to analyze sales data, create reports, and track key performance indicators. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data entry and data manipulation. Skills covered, such as creating formulas and formatting cells, are also useful for organizing sales data.
Pricing Analyst
Pricing analysts analyze data to determine optimal pricing strategies for products or services. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course helps enhance skills in using Excel for data management and analysis. Pricing analysts often use Excel to organize pricing data, perform calculations, and create reports. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation. Skills covered, such as using advanced formulas and filtering tools, are also useful for pricing analysis.
Budget Analyst
Budget analysts are responsible for helping organizations manage their finances by developing and monitoring budgets. While this role typically requires a bachelor's degree, this Excel skills course helps enhance skills in using Excel for budgeting and financial analysis. Budget analysts often use Excel to create budget spreadsheets, track expenses, and analyze financial data. The course emphasizes the use of keyboard shortcuts, which can significantly speed up data manipulation and analysis. Skills covered, such as using formulas and formatting cells, are also useful for organizing budget data.

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Excel Basic Keyboard Shortcuts (Skills by Drills).

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