Alt + E L Mac Excel Shortcut: Legacy Delete Sheet (2026 Guide)

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Quick Answer

To do Alt + E L on Mac in Excel, install Accelerator Keys, then press Option, then E, then L. It runs the Excel 2003 command Edit > Delete Sheet. The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + D + S.

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

What Does Alt + E L Do?

Alt + E + L is the legacy shortcut for Edit > Delete Sheet. It deletes the active worksheet. If the sheet has data, Excel asks you to confirm.

Legacy vs. Modern Shortcut Comparison

Shortcut Era Menu Path
Alt + E + L Legacy (Excel 2003) Edit > Delete Sheet
Alt + H + D + S Modern (Ribbon) Home > Delete > Delete Sheet

Both shortcuts work with Accelerator Keys.

How It Works on Mac

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

Step-by-Step: How to do Alt + E L on Mac Excel

  1. Install the Fix: Download Accelerator Keys (14-day free trial, no credit card required).
  2. Select the sheet: Click the tab of the sheet you want to delete.
  3. Press Option: Press the Option key. It works like Alt on Windows.
  4. Press the letters one at a time: Press E, then L.
  5. Result: Excel deletes the sheet after you confirm.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alt + E L 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 E, then L.

Can I undo Alt + E L?

No. Excel cannot undo a sheet delete. Save the workbook first if you are not sure.

What is the modern equivalent of Alt + E L?

The modern ribbon shortcut is Alt + H + D + S (Home > Delete > Delete Sheet). Both work on Mac with Accelerator Keys.

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