Strikethrough shortcut in Excel
The keys
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Strikethrough | Ctrl+5 | Shift+Command+X |
| Open Format Cells How to: Merge cells shortcut in Excel Every number, date, alignment, border and protection option in one dialog. | Ctrl+1 | Command+1 or Control+1 |
Checked against Microsoft's official lists on . Where Microsoft lists a key for one platform only, the other column says so instead of guessing.
Strike out part of a cell
Press F2 to edit the cell, select the words with Shift+Left arrow or Shift+Right arrow, then press Ctrl+5. Only the selected characters get the line. This works for text typed into the cell, not for the result of a formula.
Cross out finished tasks automatically
In a to-do list, conditional formatting can strike a row out when its status says Done. Select the rows, choose Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule > Use a formula, enter a rule such as =$C2="Done", click Format and tick Strikethrough on the Font tab. The guide on highlighting a row based on a value shows the same rule with a fill color.
When Ctrl+5 does nothing
- Use the 5 in the row of digits above the letters; the number pad 5 may not work.
- Your keyboard layout is not US English. Use Ctrl+1, the Font tab, and tick Strikethrough instead.
- Excel for the web: Microsoft lists no strikethrough key; use the Home tab's font options.
Why a shortcut sometimes does nothing
Non-US keyboards
Microsoft's lists are written for the US keyboard layout and say that keys on other layouts might not correspond exactly. Shortcuts named after a symbol, such as Ctrl+;, Ctrl+` or Ctrl+Shift+$, are the ones most likely to sit somewhere else or not work. When one does nothing, use the ribbon route on its task page instead.
Related shortcuts
| Shortcut | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Ctrl+B or Ctrl+2 | Command+B or Control+B |
| Italic | Ctrl+I or Ctrl+3 | Command+I or Control+I |
| UnderlineOn a Mac, Ctrl+U edits the cell instead. | Ctrl+U or Ctrl+4 | Command+U |
FAQ
What is the strikethrough shortcut in Excel?
Ctrl+5 on Windows and Shift+Cmd+X on a Mac.
Why is the Mac shortcut different?
Microsoft's Mac list gives Shift+Cmd+X for strikethrough and does not list Ctrl+5.
Can a formula result be crossed out?
Yes, but only the whole cell, with the shortcut or conditional formatting. Part of a formula result cannot have its own format.
Related guides
- Highlight an entire row based on one cell's valueSelect the data rows (A2:E9), go to Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule > Use a formula to determine which cells to format, enter =$D2="Cancelled" and pick a fill.
- How to create a habit tracker in ExcelPut your habits in column A and the dates of the month across row 1, then type x on each day you did one.
In the glossary: Conditional formatting