Whether you want to highlight completed tasks, track revisions, or improve data visualization, the strikethrough option helps maintain clarity without deleting any data.

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Strikethrough In Excel: How To Apply, Methods, Uses, Tips

Striking through text in Excel may seem tricky at first, but it’s easier than you think. While many users resort to complicated methods or third-party tools, Excel has a built-in Strikethrough feature that’s simple to use and highly effective. Whether you want to highlight completed tasks, track revisions, or improve data visualization, the strikethrough option helps maintain clarity without deleting any data. Let’s explore how to use this feature efficiently.

How to Apply Strikethrough in Excel?

Locate the Strikethrough Option in the Font Group

The Strikethrough option is conveniently located in the Font group on the Home tab. To access it:

Click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font group.
A dialog box will appear—simply check the box next to Strikethrough to apply the effect.

This option is great for indicating completed tasks, outdated information, or changes without erasing data.

Strikethrough in Excel

Use a Keyboard Shortcut

For quick access, the keyboard shortcut for strikethrough is Ctrl + 5. Simply select the text or cell and press this combination to toggle strikethrough on or off. This underrated shortcut saves significant time during data entry and is especially useful for repetitive tasks.

Add Strikethrough to the Quick Access Toolbar

Streamlining your workflow can enhance productivity, and one way to do that is by adding Strikethrough to your Quick Access Toolbar:

Right-click the Strikethrough option in the Font dialog box.
Select Add to Quick Access Toolbar.

This allows you to access the feature with one click, avoiding the need to navigate multiple tabs.

Remove Strikethrough Formatting

Removing strikethrough formatting is just as easy:

Select the text or cell that has strikethrough applied.
Press Ctrl + 5 again, or uncheck the Strikethrough box in the Font dialog box.

This action restores the original formatting, making it easy to revert changes when needed.

Advanced Strikethrough Techniques with Conditional Formatting

Set Up Conditional Formatting for Strikethrough

Excel’s Conditional Formatting feature allows you to apply strikethrough based on specific criteria. This is particularly useful for automating task management:

Select the range of cells you want to format.
Go to the Home tab and click on Conditional Formatting.
Choose New Rule, and select Use a formula to determine which cells to format.
Enter a formula that identifies completed tasks, such as for cells in column B.
Set the formatting to apply a strikethrough effect.

This method automatically strikes through tasks that meet certain conditions, streamlining your workflow without manual input.

Practical Uses and Benefits of Strikethrough in Excel

1. Mark Completed Tasks

The most common use of strikethrough is to mark completed tasks. This visual cue helps differentiate between finished and ongoing tasks at a glance. In project management, for example, strikethrough helps track progress, offering a clear overview of what’s been accomplished.

2. Indicate Revisions

Strikethrough is also helpful when you need to indicate revisions. Instead of deleting old data, you can cross it out, leaving it visible for reference. This method ensures that changes are clearly shown while preserving the original information for future audits or comparisons.

3. Enhance Data Visualization

Strikethrough can be an effective way to enhance data visualization by drawing attention to important information. For example, when comparing budgets or versions of a document, strikethrough can help emphasize changes while de-emphasizing outdated figures. This technique keeps your data clean and easy to read.

Strikethrough in Excel is a simple yet powerful tool that can enhance your spreadsheets, making them more organized and easier to interpret. Whether using it to track completed tasks, indicate revisions, or highlight outdated information, strikethrough improves clarity and efficiency. Learning shortcuts, using the Quick Access Toolbar, and leveraging advanced techniques like conditional formatting ensures you get the most out of this feature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I apply strikethrough in Excel?

To apply strikethrough, select the cell or text, then press Ctrl + 5 on Windows or Command + Shift + X on Mac. Alternatively, use the Format Cells dialog by right-clicking and choosing "Format Cells," then check the Strikethrough option.

Q2. Can I use strikethrough for entire rows or columns?

Yes, you can apply strikethrough to entire rows or columns. Simply select the row or column header and follow the same steps to apply strikethrough formatting.

Q3. What are the benefits of using strikethrough in Excel?

Strikethrough helps visually indicate completed tasks, differentiate between active and inactive data, and enhance clarity in your spreadsheets. It improves organization and readability.

Q4. Are there keyboard shortcuts for strikethrough in different Excel versions?

The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 5 works across most Excel versions on Windows. For Mac users, it's Command + Shift + X. Check your version for any variations.

Q5. Can I remove strikethrough formatting easily?

Yes, to remove strikethrough, select the text or cell again and press Ctrl + 5 (Windows) or Command + Shift + X (Mac). You can also uncheck the Strikethrough option in the Format Cells dialog.

Q6. Can I customize the appearance of strikethrough text?

Excel does not allow customization of strikethrough style (e.g., color or thickness). It applies a standard line through the text. For more visual options, consider using other formatting features like font colors or highlights.

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Edited by

Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.