Alt + D B Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Subtotals (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

To do Alt + D B on Mac in Excel, install Accelerator Keys, then press Option, then D, then B. It runs the Excel 2003 command Data > Subtotals. The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + A + B.

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If you are looking for the Alt + D B shortcut on Mac Excel, you may know it from Excel 2003, where Alt + D opened the Data menu. Windows Excel still accepts these menu keys. With Accelerator Keys, they work on your Mac too.

What Does Alt + D B Do?

Alt + D + B is the legacy shortcut for Data > Subtotals. It opens the Subtotal dialog. Excel adds a subtotal row at each change in the column that you choose, plus a grand total. It also adds outline buttons so that you can show only the totals.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + D + B Legacy (Excel 2003) Data > Subtotals
Alt + A + B Modern (Ribbon) Data > Subtotal

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

On your Mac, Accelerator Keys runs Data > Subtotals in the Excel menu bar. It works on any ribbon tab and at any window width.

Step-by-Step: How to do Alt + D B on Mac Excel

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Sort and select your data: Sort the data by the column you want to group by. Then click a cell in the data.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press D, then B.
  5. Result: The Subtotal dialog opens. Choose the column, the function, and the columns to total, then click OK.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + D B work natively on Mac Excel?

No. Excel for Mac’s own KeyTips do not support the legacy Alt + E, Alt + I, Alt + O, and Alt + D menu keys. Accelerator Keys adds them. Press Option, then D, then B.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + D B?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + A + B (Data > Subtotal). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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