If your selection is at the top of a column, and you want to quickly select the entire column, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + ↓. However, this ONLY works if there are no blank cells in the column.

Columns that have blank cells require you to repeatedly hit the down arrow to make it all the way down to the end.

So, is there a workaround?

There are two things you could do to achieve the same result and potentially save you some time.

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Downloads Select Column with Blanks Example.xlsxDownload Option 1The first is to hit Crtl + Shift + End. This will take you all the way to the bottom right cell in your data range.

From there, you can hold Shift down while you hit the left arrow until only your desired column is selected.

Option 2Another option is available if you have a column with no blank cells directly adjacent to your desired column selection. If so. You can start from the top of that non-blank column and hit Ctrl + Shift + ↓.

Then Shift + →.

Then hit Tab to put the active cell at the top of your desired column.

And finally, Shift + → to deselect the original column.

Excel TablesIf you are using an Excel Table, the process is much easier. With any cell in the desired column selected, all you have to do is hit Ctrl + Space. That will select the entire column.

Do you use any of these methods, or do you find yourself just hitting the down arrow multiple times? Or maybe you tend to use the mouse instead? I'm curious to know your preference. Tell me in the comments, and feel free to leave any questions there as well.

Link to post: Selecting Entire Columns That Have Blank Cells