How to Strikethrough in Google Sheets

Apply or remove strikethrough in Google Sheets with the Format menu or platform-specific keyboard shortcuts.

Direct answer

Quick answer

Select the cells, then choose Format > Text > Strikethrough. Use Alt+Shift+5 on Windows or ChromeOS, or ⌘+Shift+X on Mac.

Windows and ChromeOS

Google Sheets
Alt+Shift+5

Toggles strikethrough on the selected cells.

Mac

Google Sheets
⌘+Shift+X

Toggles strikethrough on the selected cells.

Menu method

Google Sheets
Format > Text > Strikethrough

Works without memorizing a shortcut.

One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward.

Mark completed tasks

Apply strikethrough to completed task names while leaving open tasks unchanged.

TaskOwnerStatus
Finalize briefMinaComplete
Build landing pageTheoIn progress
Launch campaignAriNot started

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Select the cells

    Highlight the cell or range whose text you want to cross out.

  2. Open the text-format menu

    Choose Format > Text > Strikethrough.

  3. Use a keyboard shortcut instead

    Press Alt+Shift+5 on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command+Shift+X on Mac.

  4. Remove strikethrough

    Repeat the same menu command or keyboard shortcut to toggle the formatting off.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • The shortcut only affects the current selection, so select the intended cells first.
  • Strikethrough changes formatting, not the underlying value or completion status.
  • Browser and operating-system shortcuts can conflict; use the Format menu if the shortcut is intercepted.

Official references: Google: Keyboard shortcuts for Google Sheets

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How to Strikethrough in Google Sheets