Extend Selection to Last Cell in Excel
This shortcut allows you to extend the current selection from the active cell to the last used cell in the worksheet. It is extremely helpful when selecting large datasets quickly.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + End | Cmd + Shift + Fn + → |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
When you press this shortcut, Excel extends the selection from the active cell to the last non-empty cell in the worksheet, including all rows and columns in between.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select any cell inside your data
- Press and hold Ctrl + Shift (Windows) or Cmd + Shift (Mac)
- Press the End key
- The selection will extend to the last used cell
Tips & Best Practices
- Selects all cells between the active cell and the last used cell
- Useful before copying, formatting, or deleting large datasets
- Extra formatting or blank rows may affect where Excel detects the last cell
FAQ
- Q: What determines the last used cell?
- Excel considers cells with data, formulas, or formatting as used cells.
- Q: Why does the selection go further than expected?
- Unused formatting or previously edited cells can extend the used range.
- Q: How is this different from Ctrl + End?
- Ctrl + End moves the cursor, while Ctrl + Shift + End extends the selection.