Sort Shortcut in Excel on Mac (Alt + D S)

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Quick Answer

The Excel 2003 sort shortcut is Alt + D S. It opens the Sort dialog. On a Mac, install Accelerator Keys, click a cell in your data, then press Option, then D, then S. Choose the column and the order, then click OK.

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If you are looking for the sort shortcut in Excel on Mac, Alt + D S is the one many Windows users know from Excel 2003. Windows Excel still accepts it. With Accelerator Keys, it works on your Mac too.

What Does Alt + D S Do?

Alt + D + S is the legacy shortcut for Data > Sort. It opens the Sort dialog. You sort by one or more columns, A to Z or Z to A, by value, cell color, or font color. Select My list has headers so that Excel does not sort the header row.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + D + S Legacy (Excel 2003) Data > Sort
Alt + A + S + S Modern (Ribbon) Data > Sort

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

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

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select your data: Click a cell in your data. Excel selects the full table.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press D, then S.
  5. Result: The Sort dialog opens. Add sort levels and click OK.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + D S 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 S.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + D S?

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

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