Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application that allows users to create and manage data with ease. One of its useful features is the ability to format text in numerous ways, including strikethrough. This tool is helpful when you want to indicate that a particular cell or set of cells contains outdated or no longer applicable information. Here’s how to strikethrough in Excel.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Excel has several keyboard shortcuts that allow users to format text quickly. The strikethrough shortcut is one of them. Here’s how to use it:

1. Select the cell or range of cells that you want to format.
2. Press the “Ctrl” and “5” keys simultaneously. This will apply the strikethrough format to your selected cells.

Method 2: Formatting Using the Home Tab

Another way to initiate strikethrough on Excel is through the Home tab. This method is useful if you prefer working with the ribbon interface, or if you’re using Excel on a touchscreen device.

1. Select the cell or range of cells that you want to format.
2. Go to the Home tab located at the top of the Excel window.
3. Look for the Font group, where you will see the Strikethrough button.
4. Click on the Strikethrough button once to apply the format to your selected cells.

Note that the Strikethrough button is represented by a line with a red diagonal through it.

Method 3: Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

Excel allows users to add frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar, which appears at the top-left corner of the Excel window. You can add the Strikethrough command to this toolbar for easy access.

1. Right-click on the Quick Access Toolbar and select “Customize Quick Access Toolbar”.
2. In the Excel Options dialog box, click on “All Commands” from the dropdown menu.
3. Scroll down until you find “Strikethrough” and select it.
4. Click on the “Add” button to add the Strikethrough command to the Quick Access Toolbar.
5. Click “OK” to close the Excel Options dialog box.

Now, the Strikethrough command will be accessible via a single click, regardless of which tab or ribbon is active.

In conclusion, Excel offers several ways to apply Strikethrough to text, and you can choose the method that best suits your preferences. Using keyboard shortcuts, the Home tab, or customizing the Quick Access Toolbar are all simple yet efficient ways to format your data for clearer interpretation.