What is the shortcut key for copying a formula in Excel?

The shortcut Ctrl + D is used for the "Fill Down" command in Excel. This command copies the contents and formatting from the topmost cell of a selected range into all the cells below it. When the top cell contains a formula, Ctrl + D effectively copies that formula down the column, automatically adjusting relative cell references as needed. This is a highly efficient, single-step method for replicating a formula across multiple rows, which is a core competency tested in the MO-211 exam.

A. Ctrl + V: This is the shortcut for "Paste." It is used to insert content that has already been copied to the clipboard; it does not perform the copy action itself.

B. Ctrl + C: This is the general "Copy" command. It places the selected cell's content onto the clipboard but does not complete the action of duplicating the formula into another cell.

C. Ctrl + F: This shortcut opens the "Find" dialog box. It is used for searching for data within the worksheet and is unrelated to copying formulas.

1. Microsoft Corporation. (n.d.). Keyboard shortcuts in Excel. Microsoft Support. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/keyboard-shortcuts-in-excel-1798d9d5-842a-42b8-9c99-9b7213f0040f.

Reference Specifics: In the section "Ctrl key shortcuts

" the documentation explicitly states: "Ctrl+D: Use the Fill Down command to copy the contents and format of the topmost cell of a selected range into the cells below." It also defines Ctrl+C as "Copy the selected cells" and Ctrl+V as "Insert the contents of the Clipboard."

2. University of California

Berkeley. (n.d.). Excel: Shortcuts (PC). bConnected. Retrieved from https://kb.berkeley.edu/page.php?id=31337.

Reference Specifics: Under the "Editing" section

the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D is listed with the description "Fill Down

" confirming its function to copy content from the cell above.

3. Duke University

Fuqua School of Business. (n.d.). Excel Efficiency Guide.

Reference Specifics: In a publicly available courseware document on Excel efficiency

under the "Filling" section (page 4)

it lists: "Ctrl+D: Fill Down. Copies the contents of the cell above." This distinguishes it from the general "Ctrl+C" (Copy) command listed on page 3.