How to Put a Line Thru Text in Excel

As an expert in Microsoft Excel, I understand that at times, users seek quick answers to achieve desired formatting in their spreadsheets. One of the most common formatting queries is “How to put a line through text in Excel?”. Although it can seem daunting for some, adding a strike-through in Excel is actually quite simple and quick. In this blog post, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of putting a line through text in Excel.

Select the cell where you want to add a line through text

Firstly, open the Excel worksheet and choose the cell where you want to add a line through text. Highlight the cell by clicking on it.

Access the “Format Cells” option

Once you’ve selected the cell, go to the “Home” tab on the ribbon at the top of the page. Then click on the “Font” section and look for the “Format Cells” option located at the bottom right of the screen.

Another way to access the “Format Cells” option

You can also right-click on the selected cell, choose the “Format Cells” option on the drop-down list, and you will be redirected to a new window.

Select the “Font” tab on the “Format Cells” window

After clicking on the “Format Cells” option, a new window will appear. Select the “Font” tab from the dialogue box by clicking on it (if it’s not already selected).

Click on the “Strikethrough” checkbox

On the “Font” tab, look for the “Effects” section and then click on the checkbox next to “Strikethrough.” Doing so will add a line through the text of the chosen cell.

Adding a Strikethrough Quickly

If you need to add a strikethrough quickly, apply this keyboard shortcut: Select the cell(s) that you want to strike a line through. Press the “Ctrl+5” keys simultaneously to add the strikethrough format easily.

Save your worksheet

Finally, don’t forget to save your work by pressing “Ctrl+S”. This will ensure that your formatting is retained, even if you close the document and open it again later.

How to remove a line through text in Excel

If you have applied a line through text and want to remove it, select the cell that contains the text with a line through it and follow the same steps as before. Once you access the “Format Cells” window, go to the “Font” tab followed by the “Effects” section, and uncheck the “Strikethrough” option.

How to apply a line through text for multiple cells at once

If you want to apply a line through text to multiple cells at once, select all the cells by dragging the mouse over them while holding down the left-click button. After selecting the cells, choose the “Format Cells” option from the “Font” section on the ribbon or via the right-click menu. Then, go the “Font” tab and select the “Strikethrough” checkbox. The format will be applied to all the selected cells.

How to apply a line through text in Excel Online

If you are using Excel Online, the process is very similar to Excel desktop version. Select the cell or cells where you want to apply the strikethrough effect, and then go to the “Home” tab on the ribbon. Click on the “Font” section, and look for the “Strike” button. Click on it, and you’re done. If you want to remove the strikethrough, follow the same steps and uncheck the “Strikethrough” button.

When to use a line through text in Excel

A line through text is often used to indicate that a particular value is no longer valid or accurate, or if a task has been completed. For example, if you are managing a project in Excel, you can add a line through a task when it is completed. This allows you and your team to quickly see what has been done and what is still pending. Similarly, if you are working with financial data, you can strike out a value that has been adjusted or amended.

Adding a line through text in Excel is a simple yet useful formatting technique that can add clarity to your spreadsheets. From keeping track of completed tasks to identifying errors, adding a line through text in Excel can help to ensure that your data is accurate and easy to read.

FAQs on How to Put a Line Thru Text in Excel

Here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers:

Can I apply a line through multiple cells at once in Excel?

Yes, you can select multiple cells and apply the line through text format to all of them at once. Just select the cells you want to format, go to the “Format Cells” window, and follow the steps mentioned earlier.

Is it possible to vary the thickness of the line through text in Excel?

No, Excel only allows you to add a line through text; you cannot vary the thickness of the line. However, you can choose a different type of line through font options such as double line through or dotted line through.

Can I add a line through text using conditional formatting in Excel?

Yes, you can add a line through text with conditional formatting. Choose the cells you want to format, go to the “Home” tab and select “Conditional Formatting.” In the “New Formatting Rule” window, choose the “Use a formula to determine which cells to format” option. Enter the formula to specify the condition, then set the formatting style, including strikethrough, for the cells that meet the specified condition.

Can I remove the line through text from an entire column or row in Excel?

Yes, you can remove the line through text format from an entire column or row in Excel. First, select the entire column or row by clicking on the column or row header. Then follow the same steps to remove the line through text format from that column or row.

Is it possible to customize the color of a line through text in Excel?

No, you cannot customize the color of a line through text in Excel. It is always black and cannot be changed. However, you can change the color of the font to something different to create contrast with the black line.