Excel Shortcuts That Will Save You HOURS Every Week

Links and Codes: Paperpal: https://paperpal.com/?linkId=lp_726731&sourceId=andy&tenantId=paperpal (PAP20 - 20% off) Thesify: https://thesify.ai?fpr=andy60 Thesis AI: https://www.thesisai.io/?via=andrew, ANDY20 - 20% off Elicit: https://elicit.com/?via=andrew UndetectableAI: https://undetectable.ai?fpr=andy SciSpace: https://scispace.com/?via=andy-stapletonai (ANDYS40: 40% off the annual plan, ANDYS20: 20% off the monthly plan) Jenni AI: https://jenni.ai/?via=andy-stapleton (Use codes: andy30, ANDY20) Julius AI: https://julius.ai/?via=andrew-stapleton (ANDY20 — offers 20% off) AnswerThis: https://answerthis.io?ref=andy49 (ANDY20 - 20% off) Unriddle: https://www.unriddle.ai/?ref=andrew (ANDY20 - 20 % off) When I first started working with research data, I thought mastering Excel meant memorizing endless formulas or diving into complex macros. Over time I realized the real game changer was learning the right Excel shortcuts and tricks. They aren’t just about speed; they completely shift the way you interact with your spreadsheets. Once you know them, you stop wasting time on repetitive clicking and start focusing on analysis, interpretation, and presenting results that matter. ▼ ▽ Sign up for my FREE newsletter Join 21,000+ email subscribers receiving the free tools and academic tips directly from me: https://academiainsider.com/newsletter/ ▼ ▽ MY TOP SELLING COURSE ▼ ▽ ▶ Become a Master Academic Writer With AI using my course: https://academy.academiainsider.com/courses/ai-writing-course In this video I share the Excel keyboard shortcuts that saved me hours during my PhD, but I also want to talk about why these shortcuts matter beyond efficiency. Shortcuts create consistency in your workflow. Instead of hunting through menus, you keep your attention on the data itself. This reduces mistakes, lowers fatigue, and makes tasks like cleaning datasets or formatting research tables feel manageable rather than overwhelming. Many of the techniques I use can be considered universal. They’re not only useful in academic projects but also in everyday tasks like budgeting, planning, or report writing. Some of these are specific Windows Excel shortcuts, while others work across different systems. If you are just starting out, you don’t need to worry—this video is also designed with Excel for beginners in mind. I explain how a few well-chosen key combinations can do more for your confidence than hours of trial and error. I also make connections to other tools you probably already use. For instance, some of the same principles apply to MS Word Excel shortcuts, where combining keystrokes makes editing smoother and more intuitive. By practicing in Excel, you’ll find it easier to build habits that transfer across the entire Microsoft Office suite. My goal is not only to show what to press, but also to help you think differently about how you work with data. Shortcuts are not random tricks; they are strategies to reclaim your time and mental focus. With a little practice, they become second nature. Whether you’re a student, a researcher, or simply someone curious about making work easier, these approaches can transform how you see Excel. ................................................ ▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:34 Navigation Shortcuts 02:14 Selecting Rows and Columns 02:39 Adding Rows and Columns 02:59 Add Columns 03:27 Adding Another Column & Row 04:06 Creating Data Dropdown 04:43 Cycle Cell References 05:58 Create Graph Easily 06:32 Sticky Header 07:32 Copying Formula Values 08:01 Name Seperation 08:45 Sum of Values 09:10 Format Cells 09:43 Repeat Last Formatting 10:22 Filter Options 11:22 Create Table 11:40 Slicer 12:20 Outro ................................................ ▼ ▽ Socials for shorts and reels Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandystapleton/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drandystapleton