Want to know how to strikethrough text in Excel? Whether you're marking items as obsolete, comparing old and new data, or simply need to visually highlight changes, striking out text is a useful formatting tool. This comprehensive guide will show you several ways to achieve this, catering to different Excel versions and skill levels.
Method 1: Using the "Format Cells" Dialog Box (All Excel Versions)
This method works across all versions of Microsoft Excel and is the most straightforward approach.
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Select the Cell(s): First, select the cell or range of cells containing the text you want to strikethrough. You can do this by clicking on the cell(s) directly or by using your keyboard to select a range.
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Access the Format Cells Dialog Box: Right-click on the selected cell(s) and choose "Format Cells..." from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press
Ctrl + 1(or⌘ + 1on a Mac). -
Navigate to the Font Tab: In the "Format Cells" dialog box, click on the "Font" tab.
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Check the "Strikethrough" Box: Locate the "Effects" section and check the box next to "Strikethrough."
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Click "OK": Click the "OK" button to apply the strikethrough formatting to your selected cells. Your text will now appear with a line through it.
Method 2: Using the Home Tab (Excel 2007 and Later)
For users familiar with the Excel ribbon, this method offers a quicker way to strikethrough text.
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Select the Cell(s): Select the cell(s) containing the text you wish to strike out.
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Find the "Font" Group: On the "Home" tab of the ribbon, locate the "Font" group.
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Use the Strikethrough Button: You'll see a button with a letter "A" with a line through it. Click this button to apply the strikethrough formatting.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Excel 2007 and Later)
For power users, keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up the process.
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Select the Cell(s): Select the target cell(s).
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Use the Shortcut: Press
Ctrl + 5(or⌘ + 5on a Mac) to toggle the strikethrough effect on or off.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Striking Out Text in Excel
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Multiple Cells: The methods described above work seamlessly whether you're formatting a single cell or a large range of cells. Simply select the desired cells before applying the formatting.
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Undoing Strikethrough: If you need to remove the strikethrough formatting, simply repeat the process, unchecking the "Strikethrough" box in the "Format Cells" dialog, or clicking the Strikethrough button again. Alternatively, use the
Ctrl + Z(or⌘ + Z) undo shortcut. -
Combining with Other Formatting: You can combine strikethrough with other text formatting options, such as bold, italics, or different font colors, to create a visually clear and impactful presentation of your data.
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Conditional Formatting (Advanced Users): For more complex scenarios, you can use Excel's conditional formatting feature to automatically apply strikethrough based on specific cell values or criteria. This allows for dynamic updates to your spreadsheet.
By mastering these techniques, you'll be able to effectively utilize strikethrough formatting in Excel to improve the clarity and visual appeal of your spreadsheets. This simple formatting tool can drastically improve the presentation and understanding of your data. Remember to choose the method that best suits your comfort level and workflow.
