Refresh Excel for 2025: Keyboard Shortcuts, Terminology & Ninja Tips (Part 2)

Keyboard Shortcuts

Boost your Excel efficiency with these handy shortcuts. Mastering them will save you time and make navigating Excel seamless!

• CTRL + Z — Undo the previous action.
• F4 (fn + F4 / CMD + T) — Toggle between all four types of cell references (Absolute, Mixed, and Relative).
• CTRL + ~ (CTRL + `) — Show all formulas in the worksheet.
• SHIFT + F3 (CTRL + A) — Open Formula Builder or Function Wizard.
• CTRL + PgUp (CMD + PgUp) — Switch to the previous sheet.
• CTRL + PgDn (CMD + PgDn) — Switch to the next sheet.

Excel Terminology

Understanding key terms will elevate your Excel knowledge and confidence.

Formula

A formula is used to perform calculations and always starts with an equal sign (=). For example: =A1+B1 adds the values in cells A1 and B1.

Function

A function is like a pre-built "mini-program" for complex calculations. For instance: =SUM(A1:A12) adds up all the values in the range A1 to A12.

Formula Bar

Located below the ribbon, the formula bar displays the active cell’s reference and allows you to enter or edit cell content. Once you type =, Excel suggests commonly used functions to streamline your work.

Value

A value is numeric data entered into a cell. It can be used in calculations and referred to in formulas. Text entries are called labels.

Range

A range refers to two or more cells.

• Adjacent Range: A group of connected cells (e.g., A1:C2).
• Non-Adjacent Range: Multiple separated groups of cells (e.g., A1:A2, C1:C2).

Relative Reference

A relative reference changes based on where the formula is copied. For example:

• Formula in C2: =A2*B2
• Copied to C3: Updates to =A3*B3.

Absolute Reference

An absolute reference does not change when copied. Use the $ symbol, like $A$1. Shortcut: Press F4 to toggle between relative, absolute, and mixed references.

Ninja Tip for the Week

Order of Operations in Excel

Excel follows standard math rules: Multiplication (*) and Division (/) are calculated before Addition (+) and Subtraction (-).

For example:

• Formula: =3+4*5
• Result: Excel calculates 4*5 = 20, then adds 3, giving 23.

To override this order, use parentheses:

• Formula: =(3+4)*5
• Result: Parentheses are calculated first (3+4 = 7), then multiplied by 5, giving 35.

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