Have you ever wanted to enter the same value, say zero, into a range in one go? Ever wanted to enter a formula into a range in one step? Well Ctrl + Enter will do it.

Select a range, preferably a blank range. Type 0, hold the Ctrl key and press Enter. Zeros will be entered in all the cells.

This can work for formula as well, but you have to note the active cell and create the formula to work for the active cell and hold Ctrl and press Enter once you have finished the formula. Excel will enter relative reference formula unless you use mixed and fixed references in your formula.

Neale Blackwood is a senior business analyst with Access Analytic Solutions, which provides financial modelling, management reporting services, as well as advanced Excel training. You can email Neale at nblackwood@accessanalytic.com.au