Same Selection in Previous Column in Excel (Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow)
Quickly extend your current selection to the same rows in the previous column. This is useful for copying, formatting, or applying actions to multiple columns on the left of your current selection.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow | Cmd + Shift + Left Arrow |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing this shortcut extends the selection to include the same rows in the adjacent column(s) to the left of your current selection, making it easy to replicate selections across columns.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the starting range of cells
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Left Arrow (Mac)
- The selection will extend to the same rows in the previous column(s)
Tips & Best Practices
- Combine with Ctrl or Cmd to extend multiple non-adjacent columns
- Useful for copying formulas or formatting across multiple columns
- Ensure data in the previous column is sufficient to avoid selection errors
FAQ
- Q: Can I extend to multiple columns at once?
- Yes, hold the shortcut keys and arrow to extend selection across multiple columns to the left.
- Q: Does it work in filtered tables?
- Yes, visible rows are selected in the previous column(s).
- Q: Can I use this shortcut to copy data?
- Yes, after selection, use Ctrl + C (Cmd + C) to copy and Ctrl + V (Cmd + V) to paste.