Keyboard Shortcuts for Pasting Values in Excel

One of the most common tasks when using Microsoft Excel is pasting values. Fortunately, Excel provides several keyboard shortcuts to make this process more efficient. This article will explore the steps and shortcuts for pasting values in various versions of Excel, including Microsoft 365, Excel 2019, and earlier versions. We'll cover multiple methods, from basic Ctrl V to more advanced shortcuts involving Ctrl Alt V.

Basic Paste Values Shortcut: Ctrl V

The most straightforward method to paste values is by using the default shortcut:

Copy the cells you want to paste using Ctrl C. Select the destination cell where you want to paste the values. Press Ctrl V to paste the values.

Alt E-S-V for Advanced Paste Values

For those who prefer a more advanced method, you can use the sequence Alt E, S, V, and Enter:

Copy the cells you want to paste using Ctrl C. Select the destination cell where you want to paste the values. Press Alt E to open the 'Paste Special' dialog box. Press S to select 'Values' Press Enter to apply the changes.

Ctl Alt V Shortcut for Quick Pastes

An even quicker method is using the shortcut Ctrl Alt V followed by V and Enter:

Copy the cells you want to paste using Ctrl C. Select the destination cell where you want to paste the values. Press Ctrl Alt V to open the 'Paste Special' dialog box. Press V to select 'Values' Press Enter to apply the changes.

Using Excel for Microsoft 365 or Excel 2019

In Excel for Microsoft 365 or Excel 2019, you can directly use Ctrl V after copying and then select 'Values' in the 'Paste Special' dialog box:

Copy the cells you want to paste using Ctrl C. Select the destination cell where you want to paste the values. Press Ctrl V to paste the values.

Excel will automatically paste only the values, bypassing the formula replacement dialogue box.

Select and Paste Special Values

If you want to have more control over the paste operation, you can use the 'Paste Special' command:

Select the cells containing the formulas you want to copy. Press Ctrl C to copy the selected data. Press Ctrl Alt V to open the 'Paste Special' dialog box. Press V to select 'Values'. Press Enter to apply the changes.

This method allows you to paste only the values, bypassing the formula replacement dialogue box. You can also explore other options in the 'Special Paste' window, such as pasting only the format or formula, if needed.

Final Thoughts

Mastering these keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your productivity in Excel. Whether you're using the basic Ctrl V method, the more advanced Alt E, S, V sequence, or the quick Ctrl Alt V shortcut, you can streamline your workflow and save valuable time during complex data manipulation tasks.

To learn more about Excel and other useful tips and tricks, you can follow my YouTube channel, where I share many practical formulas and shortcuts.