How To Strikethrough Text In Excel: Easy Steps Explained

8 min read 11-15-2024

How To Strikethrough Text In Excel: Easy Steps Explained

Strikethrough text is a useful feature in Excel that can help you visually indicate completed tasks or notes without deleting the actual text. Whether you're using Excel for project management, budgeting, or data analysis, knowing how to apply strikethrough can streamline your workflow. In this article, we'll explore the various methods to apply strikethrough text in Excel, ensuring that you can implement this feature effectively. Let's dive in! 📝

Understanding Strikethrough in Excel

Strikethrough is a formatting option that adds a horizontal line through the center of text. This feature is particularly useful when you want to denote completed tasks while keeping the original text for reference. It’s also helpful in financial documents where you may want to show changes without deleting any data.

How to Strikethrough Text in Excel

Below are several methods to apply strikethrough formatting to text in Excel, each of which is easy to follow!

Method 1: Using the Format Cells Menu

Select the Cells: Click on the cell or highlight the text you wish to strikethrough.
Open Format Cells: Right-click on the selected cell(s) and choose "Format Cells" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + 1 on your keyboard.
Choose Font Tab: In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the "Font" tab.
Check Strikethrough: In the Effects section, check the box for "Strikethrough."
Apply and Exit: Click "OK" to apply the formatting.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

A quick way to apply strikethrough is through keyboard shortcuts.

For Windows: Select the cell and press Ctrl + 5. This will instantly add a strikethrough effect to the selected text.
For Mac: Select the cell and press Command + Shift + X.

Method 3: Using the Ribbon

Highlight the Text: Select the cell that contains the text you want to strikethrough.
Access the Home Tab: Click on the "Home" tab in the Excel ribbon.
Click on Strikethrough: In the Font group, click on the strikethrough icon (it looks like "abc" with a line through it).

Method 4: Using Conditional Formatting

Strikethrough can also be applied through conditional formatting, which allows you to automatically format text based on specific criteria.

Select Your Cells: Highlight the range of cells you want to format.
Open Conditional Formatting: Go to the "Home" tab, then click on "Conditional Formatting."
New Rule: Choose "New Rule" from the dropdown.
Use a Formula to Determine Which Cells to Format: Select "Use a formula to determine which cells to format."
Input Your Formula: Enter a formula that corresponds to the conditions that will result in strikethrough formatting. For example:
```
=A1="Completed"
```
Format: Click on the "Format" button, navigate to the "Font" tab, and check "Strikethrough."
Apply and Exit: Click "OK" to save the rule.

Method 5: Adding a Strikethrough to a Partial Text in a Cell

If you only want to strikethrough a portion of the text in a cell, follow these steps:

Double-Click the Cell: Edit the cell by double-clicking it.
Highlight the Text: Select the portion of text you wish to strikethrough.
Format Cells: Right-click on the highlighted text and choose "Format Cells" (or press Ctrl + 1).
Select Strikethrough: In the Format Cells dialog, check "Strikethrough" and click "OK."

Tips for Using Strikethrough Effectively

Use for Task Management: If you're tracking projects or tasks, applying strikethrough can help visualize what’s been completed and what remains.
Keep It Organized: Avoid excessive use of strikethrough as it can clutter your document. Use it where necessary to maintain clarity.
Combine with Conditional Formatting: Leverage conditional formatting with strikethrough to automate your data management.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Strikethrough Not Working: Ensure that you are selecting the correct cell or text. Check if the formatting is applied properly.
Accidental Removal: If you've removed strikethrough by mistake, simply use the keyboard shortcut again or revisit the Format Cells menu.

<table> <tr> <th>Method</th> <th>Steps</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Format Cells Menu</td> <td>Select cell > Right-click > Format Cells > Font tab > Check Strikethrough > OK</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Keyboard Shortcut</td> <td>Select cell > Press Ctrl + 5 (Windows) / Command + Shift + X (Mac)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Using the Ribbon</td> <td>Select cell > Home tab > Click Strikethrough icon</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Conditional Formatting</td> <td>Select cells > Home tab > Conditional Formatting > New Rule > Formula > Format > Strikethrough</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Partial Text Strikethrough</td> <td>Double-click cell > Highlight text > Right-click > Format Cells > Strikethrough > OK</td> </tr> </table>

Conclusion

Mastering the strikethrough feature in Excel not only enhances your document's readability but also adds a layer of professionalism to your work. Whether you choose to use the Format Cells menu, keyboard shortcuts, or conditional formatting, implementing strikethrough will undoubtedly help you manage your tasks and data more effectively. With these easy steps explained, you're now equipped to enhance your Excel experience!