ShortcutdrillExcel shortcuts / editing / Clear the selection
Clear the selection in Excel: Delete (Mac: Fn+Delete)
| Windows | Delete |
|---|---|
| Mac | Fn+Delete |
| Group | editing |
Drill: Clear a column of numbers. Pro drill. Twenty-five drills are free.
What it does and when to use it
Delete clears the contents of the selected cells and leaves the formatting. Select a column with Ctrl+Shift+Down first to clear it in one press. Backspace clears only the active cell and starts typing.
The common mistake
Using Backspace on a selection: it clears one cell. Delete clears them all.
Related shortcuts
- Undo Ctrl+Z
- Fill down Ctrl+D
- Fill right Ctrl+R
- Delete the row Shift+Space, Ctrl+-
- Insert a row Shift+Space, Ctrl+Shift+=
- The printable cheat sheet
Questions
How do I clear formatting as well?
Alt, H, E, A clears everything, and Alt, H, E, F clears formats only.
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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