Alt+↓ is absolutely one of my frequently used shortcuts when using Excel.

What it does?  “Open sesame” under four common circumstances. 🙂

When you are at the bottom of a column

  Alt+↓ displays the list of items on the column.  

So good for inputting value without retyping –> Minimize chance of typo

When you are on the top row of a table with auto filter on  

 Alt+↓ opens the filter box. (Same effect as clicking the drop down button)

When you are on a cell with Data Validation (validated by list)

Alt+↓ opens the available options for the cell.  (Same effect as clicking  the drop down button)

When you are on a row/column label / report filter on Pivot Table

 Alt+↓ opens the filter box for the field. (Same effect as clicking  the drop down button)

To make it short, Alt+↓ opens available option, if any, of the active cell.

Here’s a short video to show it in action:

Did I miss anything about Alt+↓?  Or do you have other usage of Alt+↓?  Please share with us by leaving comment.