Definition
The term “Strikethrough” in Excel, which is also relevant in finance, refers to a feature that allows you to cross out or create a line through a certain section of text in a cell. This is typically used to indicate that specific data is not applicable or should be ignored without deleting it. It provides a visual cue to the user that the marked information has been revised or completed.
Key Takeaways
- Strikethrough in Excel refers to the process of adding a horizontal line through the center of the selected text or number. This feature is used as a tool for marking items as completed or to imply that they should be ignored without deleting them.
- The Strikethrough function can be found in Excel’s ‘Format Cells’ dialogue box, under the ‘Font’ tab. This can be accessed by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 1 or through the Font group on the ‘Home’ tab of Excel’s ribbon. There is no in-built keyboard shortcut for Strikethrough in Excel itself.
- Performing a strikethrough does not affect any calculations or formulas in Excel that use the cell’s contents. Despite the appearance, the value remains fully intact.
Importance
Strikethrough in Excel is an important feature because it helps maintain accurate and transparent financial records. In finance tasks, data accuracy and integrity are essential, and Excel’s strikethrough function assists with this.
Instead of deleting values or data that may no longer apply, strikethrough allows users to simply draw a line through these values, keeping a visible record of the alterations made. This functionality provides beneficial visual cues that indicate changes or corrections, ensuring that there is a historical trail of all modifications.
This makes it easier to track, review, and audit financial data, thereby enhancing data management and improving overall financial reporting and analysis. Overall, strikethrough maintains transparency while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial data.
Explanation
The Strikethrough feature in Excel is typically used as a formatting tool to communicate that data within the cells is not valid, is no longer relevant, or has been completed. It is especially useful for to-do lists, budgeting, task management, or inventory tracking.
When you use the Strikethrough feature, it draws a line through the content of the cell, effectively putting a “strike” through it but leaving the data within it visible. This is useful in financial analysis as it allows one to visually separate or disregard certain data without necessarily deleting it, thereby preserving records for future reference or correction.
More specifically in the finance sector, the Strikethrough function in Excel can be used during audits, budget planning or financial analysis tasks. For instance, during an audit of financial statements, an auditor may need to mark certain items or figures that have been verified or checked, and this is where the Strikethrough feature comes in handy.
Similarly, in budgeting processes or financial forecasting, any changes or adjustments to previous entries can be marked with a Strikethrough, providing a clear indication of updates or changes. It is a simple but effective tool for maintaining clarity and precision in financial data management.
Examples of Strikethrough in Excel
“Strikethrough” in Excel is more of a formatting tool rather than a finance term. It is mainly useful for making text edits to show that certain words or numbers are no longer applicable or relevant, without actually deleting them. Here are some potential examples where strikethrough could be used in a financial context:
Budget Tracking: Financial analysts use Excel to track a company’s monthly expenses. If an expense had been estimated and listed, but was then canceled or replaced with another expense, the analyst might use the strikethrough to indicate this change.
Sales Forecasting: In a sales forecasting model, an item forecasted for sale may no longer be included in the stock. The sales analyst may use strikethrough for the given item’s predicted sales in Excel to indicate that it is no longer applicable.
List of Account Receivables: Finance professionals keep track of debts owed to the company. If a debtor has paid off their debt, the professional may choose to use strikethrough on the Excel spreadsheet to show that the particular debt is no longer owed, without deleting the record.
FAQ Section: Strikethrough in Excel
Q1: What does a strikethrough in Excel mean?
A strikethrough in Excel means drawing a line through the middle of a cell or text, typically used to indicate that a task or item has been completed or is no longer relevant.
Q2: How to apply a Strikethrough in Excel?
You can apply a strikethrough in Excel by selecting the text you want to strikethrough, then find and click the “Format Cells” option, which is under the “Home” tab. In the “Effects” section, check the “Strikethrough” box and click “OK”.
Q3: Can I apply Strikethrough to multiple cells in Excel?
Yes, you can apply strikethrough to multiple cells by selecting them all and then following the same process as above.
Q4: Is there a shortcut for Strikethrough in Excel?
Yes, you can use a shortcut to apply a strikethrough in Excel. The shortcut is Ctrl + 5.
Q5: How to remove Strikethrough in Excel?
You can remove strikethrough from a cell by selecting the cell(s), go to the “Format Cells” option again and in the “Effects” section, uncheck the “Strikethrough” box and click “OK”.
Related Entrepreneurship Terms
- Cell Formatting
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Strikethrough
- Conditional Formatting
- Excel Format Menu
- Financial Data Analysis
Sources for More Information
- Microsoft Support: The official Microsoft site often has guides and tutorials on how to use features in Excel, such as strikethrough.
- Exceljet: This website provides a wide variety of tutorials and articles for all skill levels using Excel.
- Trump Excel: Trump Excel is a website dedicated to providing comprehensive guides and tutorials for Excel.
- Lifewire: Lifewire is a tech website that often has articles and tutorials on various Excel features, including strikethrough.
