List of Private Equity Excel Keyboard Shortcuts
Ever wondered how top analysts and associates work through Excel models with unmatched efficiency? It’s not magic—it’s shortcuts.
Mastering Excel shortcuts can reduce hours of manual work, boost modeling speed, and help you focus on what truly matters—making well-informed market decisions.
Your Shortcut Arsenal to Navigate Like a Pro:
General Navigation & Selection
Ctrl + Arrow Keys → Jump to the edge of a data range
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys → Select a range of data
Ctrl + Start → Go to the top-left cell (A1)
Ctrl + End → Jump to the last used cell in a worksheet
F5 + Enter Cell Reference → Go to a specific cell
Data Entry & Editing
F2 → Edit a cell (without moving the cursor)
Alt + Enter → Add a line within a cell
Ctrl + D / Ctrl + R → Copy down / Copy right
Ctrl + Shift + “+” → Insert a row or column
Ctrl + “-” → Delete a row or column
Ctrl + 1 → Format Cells menu
Modeling & Formulas
Alt + = → AutoSum
Shift + F3 → Insert a function
F4 → Toggle between absolute (A1A1), mixed (A1A, A1A1), and relative (A1) references
Ctrl + Shift + U → Expand/collapse formula bar
Ctrl + ` (backtick) → Show/hide formulas
Formatting & Number Adjustments
Ctrl + Shift + Currency / Percentage / Number → Apply respective formats
Alt + H + Increase / Decrease → Adjust decimal places
Copying, Pasting & Special Paste
Ctrl + C / Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V → Copy / Cut / Paste
Alt + E + S + V / T / F → Paste values / formats / formulas
Rows, Columns & Sheet Management
Shift + Space / Ctrl + Space → Select row / column
Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down → Switch sheets
Alt + H + O + R → Rename worksheet
Filtering & Data Analysis
Ctrl + T → Convert range to a table
Ctrl + Shift + L → Apply/clear filters
Alt + Down Arrow → Show filter drop-down
Auditing & Error Checking
Ctrl + [ / ] → Trace precedents / dependents
Alt + M + P / D / A + A → Audit formulas
Other Key Productivity Shortcuts
Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y → Undo / Redo
Ctrl + F / Ctrl + H → Find / Replace
Ctrl + S / F12 → Store / Archive As
How Sutton Capital Helps You With Excel
Efficiency in Excel is essential in private equity and banking, but real advancement in these fields comes from strategic thinking, structuring transactions, and having the right industry connections.
At Sutton Capital, we provide:
Practical insights into market strategies and valuation techniques.
Practical training in transaction structuring and capital markets.
Direct exposure to market activities for real-world application.
Many professionals, whether transitioning from other industries or looking to advance within banking, have used our structured approach to gain expertise and secure high-level roles. If you're eager to enhance your understanding of valuations and market structuring, our resources are designed to accelerate your career progress.
Excel Trivia for PE/VC Pros 💡
Did you know? Some of the biggest market transactions in history were modeled entirely in Excel. Firms managing billions in capital still rely on it for LBO models, valuations, and scenario planning.
And an interesting fact—Excel’s earliest version was released in 1985, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that Wall Street made it the go-to tool for corporate modeling. Even at present, nearly every major firm relies on Excel as their primary modeling tool.
So, next time someone says Excel is "old school," remind them that it's still driving the global economy.
To Your Growth
Sutton Capital