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How to Add Remove Strikethrough in Google Sheets - A Step-By-Step Guide

November 22, 2023 4.3K views

Ready to jazz up your Google Sheets? Dive into our easy guide on adding and removing strikethrough, designed just for you. No jargon, just straightforward steps to make your spreadsheets pop. Let's turn the complicated into a breeze – because mastering Google Sheets should be as easy as pie! Get set to boost your spreadsheet skills with us.

Part 1: What is Strikethrough and Why Use It?

Strikethrough

Strikethrough

Strikethrough is a formatting option that places a horizontal line through text in Google Sheets. It serves various purposes, enhancing your spreadsheet communication:

  1. Deletion or Correction: Strikethrough is commonly used to visually mark items for deletion or correction, providing clarity on changes made to data.

  2. Task Completion: It's employed to signify completed tasks or items, helping users track progress and easily identify accomplished items in a list.

  3. Highlighting Changes: When collaborating, strikethrough highlights modifications made to text, aiding in version control and communication of document edits.

  4. Visual Emphasis: Strikethrough can be a visual tool to draw attention to specific information or to create a visual hierarchy in your data.

Part 2: 4 Common Methods to Add Strikethrough in Google Sheets 

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Step 1: Highlight the cells or range where strikethrough is needed.

highlight

highlight

Step 2: Swiftly apply strikethrough with ALT + SHIFT + 5.

 result

result

If you're a keyboard enthusiast looking for the quickest way, this method is your go-to. It’s a time-saver once you get the hang of the shortcut.

Method 2: Utilizing the Toolbar

Step 1: Select the desired cells or range.

Step 2: Click the Strikethrough icon in the toolbar for immediate formatting.

 toolbar

toolbar

Perfect for those who prefer a more visual approach. The toolbar icon provides a clear, one-click solution, making it beginner-friendly.

Method 3: Accessing the Menu

Step 1: Highlight cells or a range for strikethrough.

Step 2: Navigate to the Format option in the menu.

format tab

format tab

Step 3: Under Text, opt for Strikethrough to implement the formatting.

select Strikethrough

select Strikethrough

A solid choice for those who appreciate a structured menu system. While a bit slower, it’s straightforward and offers a clear path for those new to formatting options.

Method 4: Conditional Formatting

Step 1: Choose the range for conditional formatting.

Step 2: Go to Format > Conditional formatting.

 conditional formatting

conditional formatting

Step 3: Set "Format cells if..." to Custom formula is.

Step 4: Input a rule for conditional strikethrough

Step 5: Under Formatting style, select strikethrough.

custom

custom

Step 6: Click Done to effortlessly apply conditional strikethrough formatting.

 result

result

A more advanced approach, suitable for users wanting automation. Great for those who want strikethrough applied dynamically based on certain criteria.

Consider your preferred balance between speed and simplicity when choosing the method that suits your workflow best. Beginners may find the toolbar method most intuitive, while advanced users might opt for keyboard shortcuts for efficiency.

Part 3: Easy Steps to Remove Strikethrough in Google Sheets

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Click on the cell with strikethrough, holding Alt + Shift + 5 to remove formatting.

Swift and simple, the same shortcut as adding strikethrough, providing a quick undo option.

Method 2: Using the Toolbar

Step 1: Click the gray rectangle at the top-left to select all cells.

select all cells

select all cells

Step 2: Click the strikethrough option in the toolbar (or use the shortcut for format menu).

 remove strikethrough

remove strikethrough

A comprehensive approach, removing strikethrough from the entire worksheet with a single action.

Method 3: Using the Menu

Step 1: Select cells or range for formatting removal.

select range

select range

Step 2: Click Format in the menu, then Text > Strikethrough.

format tab

format tab

Menu-driven precision, perfect for those who prefer a systematic, step-by-step approach to formatting adjustments.

Part 4: Best Free Alternative to Google Sheets - WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office

WPS Office

Meet WPS Spreadsheet – your free, powerful alternative to Google Sheets. This dynamic tool seamlessly integrates with major office suites, including Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, and OpenOffice Calc. Compatible with popular file formats like .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlt, and .csv, WPS Spreadsheet ensures flexibility in your document handling.

Pros of WPS Spreadsheet:

Pros of WPS Spreadsheet:

  1. Lightweight: Enjoy a fast and responsive spreadsheet experience without unnecessary bloat.

  2. Support for Online Documents: Seamlessly work on your documents from anywhere with online accessibility.

  3. Safe and Stable: Trust in the reliability and stability of WPS Spreadsheet for a secure and smooth user experience.

  4. Compatibility: Works seamlessly with various office suites and file formats for a versatile user experience.

For users seeking a lightweight, online document-friendly, safe, and stable alternative to traditional spreadsheet tools, WPS Spreadsheet is your ideal companion. Its broad compatibility and user-friendly features make it an excellent choice for a diverse range of users.

How to Download WPS Office

Step 1: Visit WPS Office Website Go to the official WPS Office website by entering the URL in your web browser: https://www.wps.com/.

Step 2: Download WPS Office Click the prominently displayed "Free Download" button on the website to start downloading the WPS Office setup file.

select

select "Free Download"

Step 3: Install WPS Office After the download is complete, launch the downloaded setup file. Follow the on-screen instructions to smoothly install WPS Office on your device.

Instruction

Instruction

How to Add Strikethrough in WPS Spreadsheet?

Step 1: Open your table with WPS Spreadsheet.

Launch WPS Spreadsheet and access your table.

open wps

open wps

Step 2: Select the cells or texts for strikethrough.

Head to the Home tab > Settings > Cells or use the shortcut key Ctrl+1.

 Setting

Setting

Step 3: Apply Strikethrough:

Click Font > Effect > check Strikethrough.

Choose effect

Choose effect

Step 4: Batch Processing:

To add strikethrough to multiple cells, select the area, then go to Home tab > Find and Replace > Replace or use the shortcut Ctrl+H.

find and replace

find and replace

Step 5: Replace with Strikethrough:

Type the content in Find what and Replace with. Click Options > Format (on the right of Replace with) > Format > Font > Effect > check Strikethrough > OK > Replace All.

Replace with Strikethrough

Replace with Strikethrough

Follow these steps for precise strikethrough application in WPS Spreadsheet, whether for individual cells or entire batches of content.

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FAQs

Does applying strikethrough impact data calculations in Google Sheets?

No, strikethrough is a visual formatting option and does not affect any calculations or formulas in your spreadsheet.

Is collaboration possible on a sheet with strikethrough content when working with users on other spreadsheet platforms?

Yes, collaboration seamlessly transcends platforms; however, it's important to note that certain formatting features may appear differently. Nevertheless, collaborative efforts remain effective and accessible.

Summary

In conclusion, this guide empowers you to wield the strikethrough feature in Google Sheets with ease. Whether you're adding a visual flair to your data or streamlining its presentation, our step-by-step tutorials and practical tips have you covered.

We've not only demystified the process of adding and removing strikethrough but also introduced a noteworthy alternative in WPS Spreadsheet. With its compatibility and lightweight features, WPS Spreadsheet stands out as a valuable asset in your spreadsheet toolkit. Elevate your skills, simplify your tasks, and make your data presentation shine.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.