Top 10 Excel Functions
Essential formulas for data analysis, math, and logic operations.
| Function | Formula Syntax | What It Is Used For |
|---|---|---|
| SUM | =SUM(A1:A10) | Adds all the numbers in a range of cells. |
| VLOOKUP | =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index, [range_lookup]) | Finds things in a table or a range by row. |
| XLOOKUP | =XLOOKUP(lookup_value, lookup_array, return_array) | Modern replacement for VLOOKUP. Searches a range or array and returns an item corresponding to the first match. |
| IF | =IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false) | Makes logical comparisons between a value and what you expect. |
| IFERROR | =IFERROR(value, value_if_error) | Returns a custom result when a formula evaluates to an error. |
| INDEX | =INDEX(array, row_num, [column_num]) | Returns the value of a cell in a specific row and column of a range. |
| MATCH | =MATCH(lookup_value, lookup_array, [match_type]) | Searches for a specified item in a range of cells, and returns the relative position of that item. |
| COUNTIF | =COUNTIF(range, criteria) | Counts the number of cells that meet a single criterion. |
| SUMIF | =SUMIF(range, criteria, [sum_range]) | Adds the cells specified by a given condition or criteria. |
| CONCAT | =CONCAT(text1, [text2], ...) | Combines the text from multiple ranges and/or strings. |
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigation & Selection
Jump to dataset edge
Ctrl + Arrow Keys
Select to dataset edge
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys
Select all
Ctrl + A
Return to active cell
Ctrl + Backspace
Navigate between sheets
Ctrl + PgDn / PgUp
Formulas & Editing
Edit cell
F2
Insert AutoSum
Alt + =
Lock cell references
F4
Expand formula bar
Ctrl + Shift + U
Insert today's date
Ctrl + ;
Formatting
Format Cells dialog
Ctrl + 1
Currency format
Ctrl + Shift + $
Percentage format
Ctrl + Shift + %
Autofit columns
Alt + H, O, I
Data Management
Filter data
Ctrl + Shift + L
Create Table
Ctrl + T
Delete Row/Column
Ctrl + -
Add Row/Column
Ctrl + +
Pro-Tip: Absolute References
When copying a formula down a column, cell references change automatically. To lock a cell reference (make it absolute) so it doesn't shift when copied, use the F4 key.
How to toggle references:
- 1. Highlight the cell reference in the formula bar (e.g., A1).
- 2. Press F4 to cycle through lock states:
$A$1, A$1, $A1