Ever stare at your Excel sheet needing to mark tasks complete but don't want to delete them? That's where strikethrough saves the day. I remember last tax season when I accidentally deleted client data instead of marking it reviewed – what a nightmare! Let's fix that permanently.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Save this table for when you're in a hurry:
| Method | Steps | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon Button | Home > Font > Click abc icon | Beginners | ★★★ |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Ctrl+5 | Power users | ★★★★★ |
| Right-Click Menu | Right-click > Format Cells > Font > Strikethrough | Precision control | ★★ |
| Quick Access Toolbar | Customize toolbar > Add strikethrough | Frequent use | ★★★★ |
| Conditional Formatting | Rules > Custom formula | Automatic updates | ★★★★ |
Seriously, if you learn nothing else today, memorize Ctrl+5. It'll save you hundreds of clicks.
Why Strikethrough Matters in Excel
Unlike Word, Excel doesn't make strikethrough obvious. Most people right-click frantically or even delete data by mistake. Microsoft should really put that button front and center.
Real-world uses I've seen:
- Tracking completed inventory checks
- Marking resolved issues in project logs
- Budget sheets where you keep historical entries
- Collaborative task lists (my team uses this daily)
Warning: Strikethrough won't appear printed unless you enable "Print Object" in Page Layout settings. Learned this the hard way during a board meeting!
Step-by-Step Methods (With Screenshot Directions)
For Mouse Users: The Ribbon Method
1. Select cells needing strikethrough
2. Go to Home tab
3. In Font group, find the abc button
4. Click it once to apply, click again to remove
Where is that sneaky button? It's wedged between underline and border tools. On dark Excel themes, it practically camouflages!
For Keyboard Warriors: Shortcut Method
Ctrl+5 works instantly:
- Highlight cells
- Press both keys simultaneously
- Press again to toggle off
Confession: I used to do Ctrl+4 (underline) by mistake constantly. If your text underlines instead of strikes, you're pressing the wrong number!
Deep Customization: Format Cells Dialog
When you need more control:
1. Right-click selected cells
2. Choose Format Cells
3. Navigate to Font tab
4. Check Strikethrough box
5. Bonus: Combine with double-underline or color changes here
Power User Techniques
Automatic Strikethrough with Conditional Formatting
Set rules like "strike tasks marked 'Done'":
1. Select your data range
2. Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule
3. Choose "Use formula..."
4. Enter: =B2="Done" (adjust cell reference)
5. Click Format > Font > Strikethrough
Pro Tip: Use $ symbols for fixed references (=$B2="Done") to apply across rows.
Create One-Click Access
Add strikethrough to Quick Access Toolbar:
1. Click dropdown arrow on top-left toolbar
2. Choose More Commands
3. Select Commands Not in Ribbon
4. Find Strikethrough in list
5. Click Add >>
Now you've got your own permanent strikethrough button!
Life-changer for frequent users. Mine sits next to undo and print now.
Strikethrough FAQs
Q: Can I strikethrough partial text?
A: Yes! Double-click a cell to enter edit mode, select specific text, then apply any method.
Q: Why isn't my strikethrough showing?
A: Check for cell fill color conflicts or zoom level issues. Sometimes restarting Excel fixes glitches.
Q: Can I use strikethrough in Excel Online?
A: Yes, but only via Home > Font > Strikethrough icon. No Ctrl+5 shortcut.
Q: How to mass remove strikethrough?
A: Select entire sheet (Ctrl+A), then press Ctrl+5 or clear formatting.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Issue | Solution | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Strikethrough disappears when sorting | Use conditional formatting instead of manual | Always test sort/filter after applying |
| Shortcut not working | Check keyboard language settings or Excel add-ins | Try on different workbook |
| Printing issues | File > Options > Display > Check "Print objects" | Always print preview formatting |
When to Avoid Strikethrough
Though I love this feature, it's not perfect for:
- Databases that feed into other systems (may export as plain text)
- Colorblind users (pair with cell color changes)
- Formal financial reports (use status columns instead)
Last month, our accounting team exported struck-through cells to QuickBooks and lost all markings. Frustrating but avoidable!
Cross-Platform Differences
Strikethrough works differently across Excel versions:
| Platform | Shortcut | Ribbon Location |
|---|---|---|
| Excel Windows | Ctrl+5 | Home > Font group |
| Excel Mac | Command+Shift+X | Home > Font > Strikethrough |
| Excel Online | Not available | Home > Font > abc icon |
Mobile Limitations
On Android/iOS apps:
- Only available through cell format menu
- No partial text strikethrough
- Requires multiple taps to access
Beyond Basics: Creative Uses
From my consulting days:
Version tracking: Strike old prices while keeping them visible
Training sheets: Show incorrect answers with strikethrough
Inventory aging: Auto-strike expired items using TODAY() function
Honestly, conditional formatting strikethrough saved my bacon during a warehouse audit last year. Automatic expiration alerts = no spoiled goods!
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to strikethrough in Excel seems trivial until you need it daily. Whether you're crossing off grocery lists or managing enterprise projects, these techniques will save time. Start with Ctrl+5 today – your future self will thank you.
Still struggling with strikethrough? Just remember: it's always in Font settings, never in Alignment or Number tabs. Took me three years to stop looking there!