Want to show that some data is outdated, incorrect, or no longer relevant in your Excel spreadsheet? Using strikethrough is the perfect way to visually indicate this without deleting the original information. This guide offers several high-quality suggestions on how to easily strikethrough text in Excel, catering to different skill levels and preferences.
Method 1: Using the Font Style Directly (Easiest Method)
This is the most straightforward method and ideal for beginners. Simply select the cell(s) containing the text you want to strikethrough.
Steps:
- Select the Cell(s): Click and drag your mouse over the cells you need to modify.
- Access Font Settings: On the Home tab, locate the Font group.
- Apply Strikethrough: Click the strikethrough button (it looks like a line through the letter "S"). Your selected text will now be crossed out.
Pro Tip: You can also access these font settings by right-clicking on the selected cell(s) and choosing "Format Cells". Then navigate to the "Font" tab to find the strikethrough option.
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Fastest Method)
For power users who prefer keyboard shortcuts, this method will save you valuable time.
Steps:
- Select the Cell(s): Highlight the cells containing the text you want to strikethrough.
- Use the Shortcut: Press Ctrl + 5 (Windows) or ⌘ + 5 (Mac). This instantly applies the strikethrough formatting to your selected cells.
Pro Tip: This shortcut works seamlessly within other Excel tasks, ensuring a smooth workflow.
Method 3: Applying Conditional Formatting (For Dynamic Strikethrough)
This advanced method allows you to automatically apply strikethrough based on specific criteria. This is extremely useful for larger datasets where you want to highlight changes dynamically.
Steps:
- Select the Cell(s): Highlight the cells you want to conditionally format.
- Access Conditional Formatting: Go to the Home tab and select Conditional Formatting.
- New Rule: Choose "New Rule...".
- Use a formula: Select "Use a formula to determine which cells to format".
- Enter the Formula: In the formula bar, enter a formula that evaluates to TRUE when you want strikethrough to be applied. For example, if you want to strikethrough cells with a value less than 10, you might use
=A1<10(assuming your data starts in cell A1). Adjust the formula to match your specific criteria. - Format: Click "Format...", navigate to the "Font" tab, and check the "Strikethrough" box.
- OK: Click "OK" on both dialog boxes. The strikethrough will now be applied dynamically based on your formula.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different formulas to fine-tune the conditional formatting to precisely match your needs. This is incredibly powerful for data analysis and reporting.
Troubleshooting and Additional Tips
- Multiple selections: These methods work regardless of whether you are striking through a single cell, a row, a column, or a range of cells.
- Undo: If you make a mistake, simply press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or ⌘ + Z (Mac) to undo the strikethrough.
- Customizing appearance: You can combine strikethrough with other font styles (bold, italics, different font sizes, and colors) to further enhance readability and visual impact.
By mastering these methods, you'll effortlessly enhance your Excel spreadsheets, making your data clearer and easier to understand. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and skill level. Happy Excelling!
