The invention relates to a preparation method of 5alpha-androstane-3,17-dione. The method specifically comprises the following steps: 1, carrying out an etherification reaction on 4-androstenedione, triethyl orthoformate and anhydrous ethanol in the presence of an etherification catalyst, and performing post-treatment after the etherification reaction is completed in order to prepare a compoundwet 3-ethoxy-3,5-androstadien-17-one; 2, adding a the wet 3-ethoxy-3,5-androstadien-17-one into a methanol-dichloromethane mixed solvent, performing uniform stirring, adjusting the pH value of the obtained solution, carrying out a catalytic hydrogenation reaction under the action of a palladium-carbon catalyst, and filtering out the catalyst after the reaction is finished in order to obtain a 3-ethoxy-3-androstene-17-one solution; and 3, carrying out a hydrolysis reaction on the 3-ethoxy-3-androstene-17-tone solution and an acid, removing the solvent after the hydrolysis reaction is finished,and carrying out filtering, water washing and drying to obtain the 5alpha-androstane-3,17-dione. The method has the advantages of short process route, easily controlled production process, environmental friendliness, low production cost, and suitableness for industrial large-scale production.