Mastering the Excel Strikethrough Shortcut: Windows and Mac
Learn the exact Excel shortcuts for applying and removing strikethrough across Windows and Mac. This educator-friendly guide covers keyboard shortcuts, GUI methods, VBA examples, and practical tips to speed up formatting in spreadsheets.
According to XLS Library, the quickest way to toggle strikethrough in Excel is via built-in keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+5 on Windows and Cmd+Shift+X on Mac. These work across recent releases like Microsoft 365 and Excel 2021. If you're using the Format Cells dialog, you can also check the Strikethrough option under Font.
Strikethrough in Excel: what it does and why you might use it
Strikethrough is a font style that draws a line through the text in a cell. In Excel, applying this style affects only how the data is displayed, not the underlying value or calculation results. This distinction matters when you’re marking completed tasks, invalid entries, or items on a to-do list within a spreadsheet. According to XLS Library, understanding that Strikethrough is a font attribute helps you decide when to use it versus color coding or a separate status column. In this section, we establish the basics and reveal the exact shortcuts for Windows and Mac, plus GUI and programmatic options you can reuse in real workbooks.
# Windows: Ctrl+5 toggles Strikethrough on selected cells
# Mac: Cmd+Shift+X toggles StrikethroughWhy it matters: Strikethrough keeps the data intact for formulas while clearly signaling that a value is no longer active. If you’re collaborating, consistent use of Strikethrough reduces misinterpretation. This block sets the stage for practical, hands-on application across platforms.
Windows users: toggle strikethrough with Ctrl+5
The Windows shortcut Ctrl+5 is the fastest way to toggle Strikethrough on a selected range. It works whether you’ve selected a single cell or a block of cells. If you notice it only works intermittently, verify that the cells aren’t in Edit mode and that your keyboard isn’t remapped by system settings. Remember, Strikethrough is a font attribute rather than a value change, so formulas remain unaffected and can continue to reference the original data.
# Windows hotkey
Ctrl+5Tips for reliability:
- Ensure the cell is not in edit mode before applying the shortcut.
- Use the shortcut consistently to avoid visual inconsistencies across sheets.
- Combine with other formatting (bold, color) to convey multiple statuses at a glance.
Mac users: toggle strikethrough with Cmd+Shift+X
Mac users toggle Strikethrough using Cmd+Shift+X. This shortcut mirrors common Mac conventions (Cmd for primary actions) and keeps formatting fast in large workbooks. If Cmd+Shift+X doesn’t map correctly due to a keyboard layout or OS-level shortcut conflict, you can still reach Strikethrough via the Format Cells dialog or a VBA macro.
# Mac hotkey
Cmd+Shift+XNotes for Mac users:
- If the shortcut conflicts with other Mac apps, adjust the system or app-specific shortcuts to avoid clashes.
- On some keyboards, you may need to press the keys in quick succession to register the combo.
Formatting via the Format Cells dialog (GUI fallback)
If shortcuts are disabled or you prefer a GUI, Excel exposes the Strikethrough option through the Format Cells dialog. Open the dialog (Ctrl+1 on Windows, Cmd+1 on Mac), go to the Font tab, and toggle Strikethrough. This method is particularly useful when you’re applying Strikethrough to multiple font attributes at once or when accessibility considerations make keyboard shortcuts less convenient.
# Windows: Ctrl+1 to open Format Cells, then enable Strikethrough
# Mac: Cmd+1 to open Format Cells, then enable StrikethroughPractical tips:
- Use the dialog to review or adjust font attributes together (size, style, color).
- If you frequently need two attributes (e.g., Strikethrough plus Red font), set them together in this dialog for consistency.
VBA: a tiny macro to toggle strikethrough
For automation or bulk formatting, a short VBA macro can toggle Strikethrough on the current selection. This approach is especially helpful when you need to apply Strikethrough conditionally across many cells or when you’re building a custom Excel workflow.
' VBA macro to toggle
Sub ToggleStrikethrough()
With Selection.Font
.Strikethrough = Not .Strikethrough
End With
End SubHow to use:
- Open the Visual Basic Editor (Alt+F11), insert a module, paste the code, and run it with the cells selected.
- You can evolve the macro to apply based on a condition (e.g., a flag column).
Steps
Estimated time: 5-10 minutes
- 1
Select target cells
Highlight the cells that should receive the Strikethrough formatting. You can select a single cell, a contiguous range, or multiple non-adjacent cells using Ctrl or Cmd to add to the selection.
Tip: Use Ctrl+Click (Windows) or Cmd+Click (Mac) to select non-contiguous cells while you prepare the formatting. - 2
Apply Strikethrough via keyboard (Windows)
With the target cells selected, press Ctrl+5 to toggle Strikethrough on or off.
Tip: Ensure the cells are not in Edit mode; if a cell is being edited, the shortcut won’t apply. - 3
Apply Strikethrough via keyboard (Mac)
With the target cells selected, press Cmd+Shift+X to toggle Strikethrough on or off.
Tip: If Cmd+Shift+X conflicts with another app, adjust system shortcuts accordingly. - 4
Alternative GUI path
Open Format Cells (Ctrl+1 or Cmd+1), toggle Strikethrough on the Font tab, and confirm with OK to apply to the selected range.
Tip: GUI path is helpful for review and when applying multiple attributes at once. - 5
Copy formatting to more cells
Use the Format Painter to copy the Strikethrough formatting from a formatted cell to others without repeating steps.
Tip: Double-click Format Painter for multiple targets; remember to turn it off when done.
Prerequisites
Required
- Required
- Required
- Basic keyboard familiarity (Ctrl/Cmd, Shift)Required
Optional
- Optional: VBA editor access for macrosOptional
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Toggle Strikethrough on the selected cellsPrimary shortcut for Windows vs Mac | Ctrl+5 |
| Open the Format Cells dialogGUI fallback when shortcuts don’t work | Ctrl+1 |
People Also Ask
What is the Excel shortcut for strikethrough on Windows?
The primary Windows shortcut to toggle Strikethrough is Ctrl+5. If the cell is in edit mode, exit editing first. You can also reach the option via the Format Cells dialog (Ctrl+1) for GUI control.
On Windows, press Ctrl+5 to toggle Strikethrough on the selected cells. Exit edit mode if it’s active, and use the Format Cells dialog as a backup option.
What is the Excel shortcut for strikethrough on Mac?
On Mac, the shortcut is Cmd+Shift+X. If it conflicts with other apps, you can use Cmd+1 to open the Format Cells dialog and enable Strikethrough from the Font tab.
Mac users can toggle Strikethrough with Cmd+Shift+X, or use the Format Cells dialog if needed.
Does Strikethrough change the cell value?
No. Strikethrough only affects the font style; the underlying value in the cell remains unchanged and formulas will still reference the original data.
Strikethrough is a font effect and doesn’t alter the data in the cell.
What should I do if the shortcut isn’t working?
Verify the cell isn’t in Edit mode, check for keyboard conflicts, and try the GUI path (Format Cells: Ctrl+1 or Cmd+1). If still stuck, consider a VBA macro for automation.
If the shortcut isn’t working, try Format Cells or a small VBA macro to apply Strikethrough.
Can I apply Strikethrough to an entire row quickly?
Yes. Select the range you want (e.g., a whole row) and use Ctrl+5 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+X (Mac). For large tasks, VBA or Format Painter can speed up the process.
You can apply Strikethrough to a whole row by selecting it and using the standard shortcuts or GUI path.
The Essentials
- Use Ctrl+5 on Windows to toggle Strikethrough
- Use Cmd+Shift+X on Mac to toggle Strikethrough
- Open Format Cells (Ctrl+1 / Cmd+1) as a GUI fallback
- Use VBA for bulk or conditional Strikethrough automation
- Format Painter copies Strikethrough quickly across ranges