Want to cross out some text in Excel? Using the strikethrough feature is a breeze! Just a few clicks and you’ll have your text looking exactly how you want it. Let’s dive in and simplify this process for you.
Step by Step Tutorial on Using Strikethrough Feature in Excel
First things first, let’s understand what we’re about to do. The steps below will guide you on how to apply the strikethrough formatting to text in Excel cells. This is handy when you want to mark something as complete or no longer relevant without deleting it.
Step 1: Select the Cell
Click on the cell or range of cells where you want to apply the strikethrough formatting.
When you select the cell, make sure you click on the actual cell and not the row or column header. If you want to apply strikethrough to multiple cells, click and drag over the cells you need.
Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box
Press Ctrl + 1 on your keyboard or right-click and select ‘Format Cells’ from the context menu.
The Ctrl + 1 shortcut is a quick way to bring up the Format Cells dialog box. Alternatively, right-clicking will provide a menu where ‘Format Cells’ is an option towards the bottom.
Step 3: Select the Strikethrough Option
In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the Font tab and check the box next to Strikethrough.
You’ll find the Strikethrough option under the ‘Effects’ section. It’s as simple as checking a box – once you do that, you’re almost done!
After you complete these steps, the text in your selected cells will have a line through it, indicating that it’s been marked as struck through.
Tips on Using Strikethrough Feature in Excel
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. Besides
Ctrl + 1, you can also useAlt + H + 4to toggle strikethrough on and off. - If you find yourself using strikethrough often, consider adding the strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar for easy access.
- Remember, strikethrough is a formatting option, not a font type. This means that you can combine it with other formatting like bold or italics.
- Strikethrough can also be applied to parts of text in a cell. Just double-click the cell and select the portion of text you want to strikethrough.
- Be mindful of printouts as strikethrough text can be harder to read on paper than on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply strikethrough to an entire row or column?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough to an entire row or column by selecting the row or column and following the steps above.
How do I remove strikethrough from a cell?
To remove strikethrough, follow the same steps but uncheck the strikethrough option in the Format Cells dialog box.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to apply strikethrough?
Yes, Alt + H + 4 is the keyboard shortcut to apply or remove strikethrough in Excel.
Is there a way to apply strikethrough to only part of the text within a cell?
Yes, double-click the cell, select the text you want to format, and then apply the strikethrough.
Will the strikethrough formatting be visible when I print my Excel sheet?
Yes, the strikethrough formatting will be visible on a printed Excel sheet, but it may be less noticeable than on screen.
Summary
- Select the cell where you want strikethrough.
- Open the Format Cells dialog box with
Ctrl + 1. - Check the Strikethrough option under the Font tab.
Conclusion
Mastering the strikethrough feature in Excel can make your spreadsheets look cleaner and more professional. It’s a simple tool but an incredibly effective way to visually communicate changes or completion. Whether you’re managing a to-do list, grading assignments, or keeping inventory, strikethrough is an essential part of your Excel toolkit. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your spreadsheet game level up! If you run into any trouble or have further questions, feel free to dive into the Excel help resources or community forums. Happy Excelling!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.