Select a column of data in Excel

Select a column of data in Excel: Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow (Mac: Cmd+Shift+Down arrow)

Windows	`Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow`
Mac	`Cmd+Shift+Down arrow`
Group	selection

Practice this shortcut

Drill: Select a column of numbers. Free, no sign-up.

What it does and when to use it

Ctrl+Shift+Down selects from the active cell to the last filled cell below. It is the shortcut behind most formatting and copying: select the column, then act on it.

The common mistake

Starting from the header and including it in the selection. Start from the first data cell, or press Down once before selecting.

Related shortcuts

Select across a row Ctrl+Shift+Right arrow
Select the whole row Shift+Space
Select the whole column Ctrl+Space
Select the current table Ctrl+A
Select to the last used cell Ctrl+Shift+End
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

How do I select a column without the header?

Click or move to the first data cell, then Ctrl+Shift+Down. To include the header, start from the header.

Learn it by pressing it

Shortcutdrill gives you a task on a live sheet and a limit on key presses, so the shortcut has to become a reflex. Twenty-five drills are free; Pro unlocks all 80 for $9 a month, $29 a year, or $49 once.

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