If you’re working with long datasets in Excel and want to move or highlight an entire column down to its last filled cell, learning the Excel shortcut to select to end of column is a must. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, using these efficient shortcuts can help you save time and streamline your workflow instantly.
✅ Excel Shortcut: Select to End of Column
This shortcut allows you to select from your current cell all the way to the last non-empty cell in the column. It’s perfect for:
- Formatting entire data columns
- Creating charts with selected ranges
- Applying formulas or functions
- Deleting or copying data down
🪟 On Windows
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + ↓
- Action: Selects from the current cell to the last filled cell in the column.
- To select down to the last row of the worksheet regardless of content:
UseCtrl + Shift + End
and thenShift + ←
as needed.
🍎 On macOS
- Shortcut:
Command (⌘) + Shift + ↓
- This behaves the same as on Windows and selects to the last populated cell.
- Tip: Pressing
Command + ↓
(without Shift) just moves the cursor without selecting.
🐧 On Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc or Excel via Wine)
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + ↓
- LibreOffice Calc fully supports this shortcut, behaving like Excel.
- You can also use
Ctrl + Shift + End
to select the range to the last used cell in the sheet.
🖥️ Table of Shortcuts – Select to End of Column
Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux |
---|---|---|---|
Select to end of column | Ctrl + Shift + ↓ | Cmd + Shift + ↓ | Ctrl + Shift + ↓ |
Jump to end of column (no select) | Ctrl + ↓ | Cmd + ↓ | Ctrl + ↓ |
Select to end of worksheet | Ctrl + Shift + End | Cmd + Shift + Fn + ↓ | Ctrl + Shift + End |
⚠️ Shortcut Tips and Notes
- These shortcuts stop at the first blank cell. If your column contains empty cells, you may need to use other techniques.
- Use Ctrl + Space before the selection if you want to select the full column from any point.
- Use this shortcut in combination with Ctrl + C or Ctrl + D to copy or fill down quickly.
🧠 Bonus: Select to End of Multiple Columns
To apply this to multiple columns:
- Select the top-left cell of your range.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ↓ and then Ctrl + Shift + →.
- Now you’ve selected multiple columns down to the last filled row.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if the column has blank cells?
The shortcut will stop at the first blank cell. To select all the way to the bottom, use Ctrl + Shift + End.
Can I use this shortcut in Excel Online?
Yes, but functionality may vary slightly depending on your browser. The desktop version provides the most reliable experience.
Does LibreOffice Calc support this shortcut?
Yes! The keyboard shortcut behaves similarly, making it ideal for Ubuntu users.
✅ Conclusion
Mastering the Excel shortcut to select to the end of a column is one of the most time-saving tricks for working with spreadsheets. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, this shortcut enhances your efficiency, especially when managing large datasets.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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