How to Select Large Data in Excel Without Dragging (5 Easy Ways)

Sample dataset contains 5 employees’ names, sales, salaries, working hours, and nationality.

Sample Dataset to Select Large Data in Excel Without Dragging


Method 1 – Using Shift Key

Steps:

  • Select the first cell of your dataset (B5 here).

Select the B5 Cell

  • Press and hold the Shift key of your keyboard.
  • Click on the last cell of your dataset (F9 here).

Using the Shift Key to Select Your Data in Excel Without Dragging

The whole dataset will be selected without dragging as shown in the image below.

Selected Large Data n Excel Without Dragging

Read More: How to Select Cells in Excel Using Keyboard


Method 2 – Combining Ctrl and Shift Key

Steps:

  • Select the first data of your dataset (B5 here).
  • Press and hold Ctrl + Shift.
  • Press the Right arrow key of your keyboard to select the data to the right.

Combine Ctrl and Shift Key to Select Large Data in Excel Without Formatting

  • All the data in the first row are now.
  • Holding Ctrl + Shift, press the down arrow.

Combine Ctrl, Shift and Down Arrow Key

The entire dataset is selected without dragging as shown in the image below.

Selected Large Data in Excel Without Dragging

Note:

  • The rows can be selected first by pressing the down arrow and then the columns by pressing the right arrow.
  • Holding only the shift key enables user to select only the next row rather than going to the last row before a blank cell.

Read More: Multiple Excel Cells Are Selected with One Click


Method 3 – Using Name Box Command

Steps:

  • Click on the first cell of your data (B5 here).
  • Go to the Name Box and insert the dataset range (B5:F9 here).
  • Hit the Enter.

Using Name Box to Select Large Data in Excel Without Dragging

This selects all the data in Excel without dragging as shown in the image below.

Selected Large Data

Read More: How to Select Cells in Excel Without Dragging 


Method 4 – Using Go To Command

Steps:

  • Select the first cell of your data (B5 here).
  • Press the F5key on your keyboard.

Access the Go To Dialogue Box

  • Go To window will appear.
  • At the Reference:text box, insert the last cell position of your dataset (F9 here).
  • Hold the Shift key and click on the OK.

Using Go To Dialogue Box to Select Large Data in Excel Without Dragging

This selects the data without dragging as shown in the image below.

Selected Large Data

Read More: How to Go to Last Non Empty Cell in Column in Excel


Method 5 – Using Ctrl Key to Select Multiple Rows/Columns

Steps:

  • Click on any row number that you want to select (5 here).

Click on the Number 5

  • The entire 5th row is selected.
  • For selecting multiple rows, hold the Shift key and press the Down arrow.

Using Shift Key to Select Multiple Rows

  • Multiple rows can be selected now.

Selected Multiple Rows

  • To select columns, select the column required (B here).

Click on Column Header Letter

  • The entire B column is selected.
  • For selecting multiple columns, hold the Shift key and press the Right.

Using Shift Key to Select Multiple Columns

  • Multiple columns can be selected.

Selected Multiple Columns

Note:

  • For selecting rows, you can also press Shift + Space rather than clicking on the row header number.
  • For selecting columns, you can also press Ctrl + Space rather than clicking on the column letter.

Read More: How to Select Multiple Cells in Excel Without Mouse 


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Tanjim Reza
Tanjim Reza

Md. Tanjim Reza Tanim, a BUET graduate in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, contributed over one and a half years to the ExcelDemy project. As an Excel & VBA Content Developer, he authored 100+ articles and, as Team Leader, reviewed 150+ articles. Tanim, leading research, ensures top-notch content on MS Excel features, formulas, solutions, tips, and tricks. His expertise spans Microsoft Office Suites, Automating Finance Templates, VBA, Python, and Developing Excel Applications, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to the... Read Full Bio

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