Are you tired of manually formatting your text with the strikethrough effect in MS Office, Google Docs, or Gmail? We understand your frustration. The good news is that there are convenient keyboard shortcuts that can make this task a breeze. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal every strikethrough shortcut you need to know to streamline your text editing process.
Strikethrough in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Let’s start with Microsoft Office applications, where strikethrough is a common formatting requirement.
MS Word
If you’re working in MS Word on a Windows PC, follow these steps:
- Select the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press Alt+H+4. You don’t have to press all these keys simultaneously; press them sequentially.
On a Mac, it’s just as simple:
- Select the text.
- Press Command+Shift+X.
MS Excel
Excel users, regardless of Windows or Mac, can use the same shortcut:
- Select the text.
- Press Ctrl+5.
This shortcut works seamlessly on both platforms, making it a consistent experience for Excel users.
MS PowerPoint
In PowerPoint for Windows:
- Highlight your text.
- Press Alt+H+4.
Mac users, follow these steps:
- Select your text.
- Press Command+T, choose “Strikethrough,” and select “OK.”
MS Outlook
For Outlook on Windows:
- Select your text.
- Press Ctrl+D followed by Alt+K and then Enter.
On a Mac, it’s almost identical:
- Highlight your text.
- Press Command+T, select “Strikethrough,” and click “OK.”
Strikethrough Text in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Now, let’s move to Google’s online office suite, which includes Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
For Windows users in Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides:
- Access your document.
- Highlight the text to strikethrough.
- Press Alt+Shift+5.
If you’re using a Mac:
- Open your file.
- Select the text.
- Press Command+Shift+X.
Apply Strikethrough in Gmail on the Web

Strikethrough in Gmail can be a handy tool for emphasizing specific points in your emails.
Gmail
- Access your Gmail account.
- Compose or open an email.
- Highlight the text you want to strikethrough.
- Press Alt+Shift+5 (Windows) or Command+Shift+X (Mac).
Gmail will promptly apply the strikethrough effect to your selected text.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficiency is key. By mastering these strikethrough shortcuts, you can save valuable time and enhance your productivity in MS Office, Google Docs, and Gmail. Say goodbye to the hassle of manual formatting, and effortlessly apply the strikethrough effect to your text with these keyboard shortcuts.
So, whether you’re editing documents, creating spreadsheets, crafting presentations, or composing emails, these shortcuts will empower you to communicate your message effectively. Embrace the power of keyboard shortcuts and elevate your text formatting game. Happy editing!