Typing keyboard shortcuts faster than Excel can compute - - Normal?
I’ll type in a sequence of shortcuts rapidly but Excel will lag my commands and it throws off my flow. For example, when computing a CAGR, I’ll enter shortcuts for (A) changing the cell format to %, (B) centering in middle of cell, (C) italicizing the %, (D) add or remove a decimal, and (E) copying down to other line items. The entire process of hitting the keyboard for all the shortcuts in sequence is ~instantaneous but Excel will take like 2-5 seconds to fully calculate
Common problem? Or should I put in for a new laptop (/touch grass)?
Absolute chad.
Having the same problem, any advice?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, this lag in Excel when executing rapid keyboard shortcuts is not uncommon, especially when working with large or complex spreadsheets. Here are some potential reasons and solutions:
Excel's Processing Limitations: If your workbook contains heavy formulas, conditional formatting, or linked data, Excel might struggle to keep up with rapid commands. This is particularly true for actions like formatting or recalculating cells.
Hardware Limitations: Your laptop's processing power, RAM, or storage speed could be a bottleneck. If you're using an older machine or one with limited resources, upgrading your hardware might help.
Background Processes: Other applications or processes running in the background can slow down Excel's performance. Close unnecessary programs to free up system resources.
Excel Settings: Check if you have automatic calculation enabled. Switching to manual calculation mode (Alt + M + X) can reduce lag, but remember to recalculate manually (F9) when needed.
Add-Ins and Plugins: Some Excel add-ins or plugins (e.g., FactSet, CapIQ, Macabacus) can slow down performance. Disable unnecessary add-ins to see if it improves speed.
Optimize Your Workbook: Simplify your workbook by:
If these steps don't resolve the issue, it might be worth considering a hardware upgrade or optimizing your workflow to avoid overloading Excel. And yes, touching grass occasionally is always a good idea!
Sources: What I Wish Every First Year Analyst Knew, EXCEL cheats megathread, Common Hotkeys - What do you use?, Investment Banking Analyst: 15 Things I Wish I Knew, Favorite Excel Shortcuts
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