Simple Guide: How to Apply Strikethrough Text in Excel – 2024

Simple Guide: How to Apply Strikethrough Text in Excel

Strikethrough text in Excel is a handy feature that allows you to cross out text or data without deleting it. This is particularly useful when managing lists, tracking completed tasks, or highlighting information that needs to be updated or removed. In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to apply strikethrough formatting in Excel, along with advanced techniques and tips to make the most of this feature.

1. What is Strikethrough Text in Excel and Why Use It?

Strikethrough text involves drawing a horizontal line through the center of the text while keeping the content visible. This formatting option is often used in situations such as:

• Task Tracking: Marking tasks as completed while keeping them on the list.
• Data Review: Highlighting data that is no longer relevant but needs to be retained for reference.
• List Management: Tracking changes, such as crossing out outdated items or edits.

Using strikethrough helps you keep track of information without deleting it, making it a useful tool for managing data and tasks.

2. Applying Strikethrough Text in Excel Using the Format Cells Option

The most straightforward method to apply strikethrough in Excel is by using the Format Cells option.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Format Cells:

1. Select the Cell or Text to Strikethrough:
   • Highlight the cell or the specific text within the cell that you want to apply the strikethrough format.
2. Open the Format Cells Dialog Box:
   • Right-click on the selected cell and choose “Format Cells” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Go to the ‘Font’ Tab:
   • In the Format Cells dialog box, navigate to the “Font” tab.
4. Check the ‘Strikethrough’ Box:
   • Under the Effects section, check the “Strikethrough” box.
5. Click ‘OK’:
   • Click “OK” to apply the strikethrough effect. The selected text or cell will now appear with a line through it.

3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough in Excel

Excel also offers a quick way to apply strikethrough formatting using a keyboard shortcut.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Strikethrough Shortcut:

1. Select the Cell or Text:
   • Highlight the text or cell where you want to apply the strikethrough.
2. Press the Strikethrough Shortcut:
   • Press Ctrl + 5 on your keyboard to apply the strikethrough formatting instantly.
3. Remove Strikethrough Using the Same Shortcut:
   • To remove the strikethrough formatting, press Ctrl + 5 again.

This method is the fastest way to apply or remove strikethrough formatting, especially when working with large datasets.

4. Strikethrough with Conditional Formatting

You can also apply strikethrough text using Conditional Formatting, which is helpful when you want Excel to automatically apply strikethrough based on certain conditions, such as when a task is marked as complete.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Strikethrough with Conditional Formatting:

1. Select the Range of Cells:
   • Highlight the cells where you want the strikethrough to be applied automatically.
2. Go to the ‘Home’ Tab and Click on ‘Conditional Formatting’:
   • On the Excel ribbon, go to the “Home” tab and click “Conditional Formatting” in the Styles group.
3. Choose ‘New Rule’:
   • In the dropdown menu, click “New Rule.”
4. Select ‘Use a Formula to Determine Which Cells to Format’:
   • In the New Formatting Rule dialog box, choose “Use a formula to determine which cells to format.”
5. Enter the Formula:
   • Enter a formula based on your condition. For example, if you want to apply strikethrough when a task is marked “Complete” in column B, use the formula:

   $$=B1=“Complete“$$

6. Click ‘Format’ and Choose Strikethrough:
   • Click “Format,” then go to the Font tab in the Format Cells dialog box and check the “Strikethrough” option.
7. Click ‘OK’ to Apply the Rule:
   • Click “OK” to apply the conditional formatting. Now, whenever the condition in your formula is met, the strikethrough format will be automatically applied.

5. Strikethrough in Excel Online and Excel for Mac

The process of applying strikethrough is similar in Excel Online and Excel for Mac, with slight variations.

For Excel Online:

1. Select the Cell or Text:
   • Highlight the cell or the text you want to apply strikethrough.
2. Click on the ‘Home’ Tab:
   • In the Excel Online ribbon, go to the “Home” tab.
3. Click on the ‘More Font Options’ Icon:
   • Click on the small arrow in the Font group to open more font options, then check the “Strikethrough” box.

For Excel on Mac:

1. Select the Text or Cell:
   • Highlight the text or cell.
2. Press the Shortcut Cmd + Shift + X:
   • Use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Shift + X to apply strikethrough instantly.

6. Best Practices for Using Strikethrough in Excel

To make the most of the strikethrough feature in Excel, follow these best practices:

• Use Strikethrough Sparingly: Strikethrough formatting is useful for marking completed tasks or outdated data, but overusing it can make your spreadsheet look cluttered.
• Combine with Color Coding: For better clarity, combine strikethrough with other formatting options like cell shading or font color.
• Automate with Conditional Formatting: Apply strikethrough automatically for completed tasks or items by setting up conditional formatting rules.

Conclusion

Strikethrough text in Excel is an excellent tool for managing data without deleting it, especially in to-do lists or task trackers. Whether you use the Format Cells dialog box, a keyboard shortcut, or conditional formatting, Excel makes it easy to apply strikethrough to any text or cell.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to add and remove strikethrough formatting efficiently. For more advanced uses, consider exploring Excel’s conditional formatting options to automate the process based on specific criteria. This way, you can keep your Excel sheets organized and functional, whether for personal or professional use.