How to Strikethrough in Excel: A Comprehensive Guide with Tips and Examples

I. Introduction

Excel is an exceptionally powerful tool for data management and analysis. It has many features that can fulfill different formatting requirements. Among these is the ability to strikethrough in Excel. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to accomplish that and what it can be used for.

II. Step-by-Step Guide to Strikethrough in Excel

Strikethrough is one of the many formatting features in Excel. You can use it to mark tasks that are complete, denote data that’s outdated, and many more. To strikethrough in Excel, you can follow these simple steps:

1. Select the cell containing the text you want to strikethrough
2. Right-click on the cell and choose ‘Format Cells’
3. Select the ‘Font’ tab on the dialog box that appears
4. Click the checkbox next to ‘Strikethrough’
5. Click ‘OK’ to apply the formatting

You can also use a keyboard shortcut to strikethrough in Excel. To do this, select the cell or cells you want to format and press ‘Ctrl + 5’ on your keyboard. This works on both Windows and Mac.

For beginners, it’s essential to know the difference between strikethrough and delete functions. Deleting content from a cell removes it completely, while strikethrough formatting leaves the content visible but crossed out.

III. Video Tutorial on Strikethrough in Excel

If you prefer a visual demonstration of how to strikethrough in Excel, you can watch our video tutorial. It covers everything you need to know to format your data in Excel using strikethrough.

IV. Tips and Tricks for Applying Strikethrough Formatting in Excel

There are a few tips and tricks you can use to apply strikethrough formatting quickly and efficiently. Some of these include:

• Using keyboard shortcuts to save time. For example, you can use ‘Ctrl + 1’ to open the format cells dialog box quickly.
• Group formatting for multiple cells. If you have several cells with the same formatting requirements, you can select them all and format them simultaneously.
• Customize your strikethrough style to match your formatting requirements. You can choose from single, double or accounting style.
• Use the ‘Conditional Formatting’ feature to automate formatting if you have specific requirements.

It’s also essential to format your data such that the strikethrough stands out. For example, using a different font color or highlighting the cell in a particular fill color can emphasize the strikethrough effect.

V. Examples and Use Cases for Strikethrough Formatting

Strikethrough formatting can be handy in a wide range of use cases. Some of the most common include:

• Task Management – To mark completed tasks without deleting them from your sheet
• Inventory Management – To denote sold or out-of-stock items while keeping the record of them
• Financial Analysis – To highlight negative numbers or compare values
• Productivity Tracking – To track productivity or track habits by marking missed days or skipped tasks

Excel users in various fields, including business, finance, education, and more, can find numerous applications for the strikethrough formatting.

VI. Comparison with Alternatives to Strikethrough Formatting

There are several alternatives to strikethrough formatting that you can use. Some of these include:

• Hiding – You can hide data, rows, or columns that you don’t want to appear in your worksheet.
• Delete – You might choose to delete data from the cells instead of applying strikethrough formatting.
• Color-coding – By coloring cells, you can highlight complete, incomplete, or outdated information without using the strikethrough.

While these alternatives can fulfill different formatting requirements, strikethrough formatting is often preferred because it allows you to keep the data while marking it as complete, outdated, or otherwise.

VII. Infographics and Visual Aids to Help in Strikethrough Formatting

Infographics and visual aids can be captivating and effective at conveying information. Through diagrams, charts, and graphs, readers can quickly grasp information. When it comes to illustrating how to strikethrough in Excel, some images can relay it better than a paragraph. Here’s an example:

VIII. Conclusion

Formatting in Excel is a crucial aspect of data management. Strikethrough formatting is one of the many tools available to you for highlighting, tracking, or marking tasks as complete or outdated. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the tips and tricks provided, you can efficiently apply strikethrough formatting to your data in Excel. Remember, while there are alternative ways to format data, strikethrough can be an efficient and preferred method.