# Excel Hacks Turn You Into a Spreadsheet Wizard

> 52 Excel tricks make you a spreadsheet pro.
- Title: Excel Hacks Turn You Into a Spreadsheet Wizard · PCMAG
- Summary: 52 Excel tricks make you a spreadsheet pro. Master Excel with 52 quick hacks for data management, formatting, and automation.
- Keywords: microsoft excel, spreadsheet, data management, formatting, automation, excel hacks, data analysis, pivot tables, quick analysis, data validation, technology, Excel
- Source: PCMAG — https://pcmag.com/explainers/microsoft-excel-spreadsheet-top-tips-tricks
- Author: Eric Griffith
- Published: 2026-09-22T16:59:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: microsoft excel, spreadsheet, data management, formatting, automation, excel hacks, data analysis, pivot tables, quick analysis, data validation, technology
## Excel's Dominance
Microsoft Excel remains the top spreadsheet software for decades.
## Online Alternatives
Google Sheets has more users but less power than desktop Excel.
## Desktop Power
Excel's current version is part of Microsoft 365 subscription.
## Beyond Numbers
Excel handles databases, CRM systems, and charts.
## The Gap
Most Excel users don't know enough to be effective.
## Select Everything
Click the top-left box to select all data at once.
## Paint Cells
Use Format Painter to copy cell formatting.
## Line Breaks
Type Alt+Enter to create line breaks in cells.
## AutoFit Columns
Ctrl+A then Alt+HOI to autofit all columns.
## AutoFill
Drag the fill handle to copy patterns.
## Flash Fill
Type patterns to auto-fill columns.
## Ctrl+Shift Select
Use Ctrl+Shift+arrow keys to select ranges.
## Drag Data
Move columns with Ctrl+drag to copy data.
## Text to Columns
Split names into first and last columns.
## Transpose Data
Copy data and use Paste Special to transpose.
## Same Data
Type once and Ctrl+Enter to fill multiple cells.
## Percent Formulas
Use Paste Special to convert numbers to percentages.
## Save Charts
Save charts as templates for reuse.
## Drill Down
Double-click pivot table cells to see source data.
## Slicers
Use slicers to filter data quickly.
## Key takeaway

Master Excel with 52 quick hacks for data management, formatting, and automation.