How To Strikethrough Text In Excel: Simple Steps Explained
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Strikethrough text can be a useful tool when working in Excel, allowing you to indicate completed tasks or highlight information that’s no longer relevant. This formatting option is simple to use, and in this article, we will explore how to apply strikethrough text in Excel with a few easy steps. Let's dive into the methods available for formatting your text with strikethrough in Excel.
What is Strikethrough Text? 🖊️
Strikethrough text is a typographical presentation where a horizontal line is drawn through the center of the text. It is typically used to indicate that an item has been completed or is no longer applicable.
Why Use Strikethrough? 🤔
Using strikethrough can be beneficial in various situations:
- Task Management: Mark tasks as complete in to-do lists.
- Data Updates: Show items that have been changed or are outdated.
- Visual Clarity: Improve readability by decluttering lists or data.
How to Apply Strikethrough Text in Excel
There are different methods to add strikethrough text in Excel, and we will go over the following options:
- Using the Ribbon Menu
- Using Keyboard Shortcuts
- Using the Format Cells Option
Let’s explore each method step by step.
1. Using the Ribbon Menu
Using the Ribbon is the most straightforward way to apply strikethrough formatting in Excel. Here’s how:
- Select the Cell: Click on the cell containing the text you want to strikethrough.
- Open the Home Tab: Go to the Home tab on the Ribbon at the top of your Excel window.
- Locate the Strikethrough Button: In the Font group, look for the strikethrough button. It looks like a crossed-out "abc".
- Click the Button: Click on the strikethrough button to apply the formatting.
2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts ⌨️
For those who prefer quick actions, using keyboard shortcuts is an efficient method. The following steps show how to strikethrough text using keyboard shortcuts:
- Select the Cell: Highlight the cell that contains the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press the Shortcut: Press Ctrl + 5 on your keyboard.
This will instantly apply the strikethrough formatting to your selected text.
3. Using the Format Cells Option
Another method to achieve strikethrough text is through the Format Cells dialog. Here’s how to do it:
- Select the Cell: Choose the cell with the text you want to strikethrough.
- Right-click on the Cell: Right-click to open the context menu.
- Choose Format Cells: Select Format Cells from the menu.
- Go to the Font Tab: In the Format Cells dialog, navigate to the Font tab.
- Check the Strikethrough Box: In the Effects section, check the box next to Strikethrough.
- Click OK: Press OK to apply the changes.
Example Use Case 📝
To illustrate the practical application of strikethrough text in Excel, consider a simple to-do list where you want to mark completed tasks:
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Submit report | Completed |
| Prepare presentation | In Progress |
| Email client | Completed |
| Research new topics | In Progress |
You can apply strikethrough formatting to "Submit report" and "Email client" to indicate they are completed.
Important Notes 🔍
- Undoing Strikethrough: If you want to remove the strikethrough from text, you can simply repeat the same method you used to apply it.
- Multiple Cells: You can select multiple cells at once to apply strikethrough formatting to all of them simultaneously.
- Conditional Formatting: You can also use conditional formatting to automatically apply strikethrough when certain conditions are met, such as when a task is marked complete in a different column.
Conclusion
In summary, applying strikethrough text in Excel is a simple yet effective way to enhance your spreadsheets. Whether you choose to use the Ribbon menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the Format Cells option, each method can help you achieve a cleaner and more organized presentation of your data.
Utilizing strikethrough formatting not only keeps your spreadsheets visually appealing but also aids in better task management and data clarity. Next time you're working on an Excel sheet, remember these easy steps to apply strikethrough text and elevate your data presentation!