Formatting Issues

How to Strikethrough Entire Rows in Excel Using Conditional Formatting

Rana Garcia Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to apply a strikethrough format to an entire row when a specific drop-down value (like "CLOSED") is selected, and change formatting based on nearby cells.

How to Apply Strikethrough to Entire Rows Using Conditional Formatting in Excel

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking project statuses or task lists where completed rows need to be visually crossed out automatically when marked as closed.
Observed behavior: The user needs to set up a custom formula within the conditional formatting rules to evaluate a target cell and apply the format across the whole row dynamically.

Before you start

Ensure your data is organized in a clean tabular format without merged cells across the rows you intend to format, and identify the exact column letter that contains your status drop-down.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Strikethrough to an Entire Row Based on a Drop-Down Value

Use this solution to cross out an entire row of data automatically when a specific status, such as "CLOSED", is selected in your target column.

To format an entire row based on a single cell's value, you must use a formula in the Conditional Formatting tool. The key is to lock the column reference using a dollar sign (e.g., $C) so that Excel checks the same status column for every cell in that row.

Select the Data Range

Highlight your entire dataset, starting from the first row of data (excluding headers). For example, select A2:F100.

Create a New Rule

Go to the Home tab on the ribbon, click on Conditional Formatting, and select New Rule from the drop-down menu.

Enter the Custom Formula

Select 'Use a formula to determine which cells to format'. In the formula box, type `=$C2="CLOSED"` (replace C with the actual column letter containing your drop-down, and 2 with the first row of your selection).

Set the Strikethrough Format

Click the Format button, go to the Font tab, check the Strikethrough box, and click OK. Click OK again to apply the rule to your selected range.

Apply Strikethrough to an Entire Row Based on a Drop-Down Value

Formula Evaluation: Excel evaluates this formula as TRUE or FALSE automatically in the background. You do not need to type the words TRUE or FALSE into the formula box.

Solution 2

Format a Cell Based on an Adjacent Cell's Entry

Use this method if you want a specific cell (like a date cell) to change its appearance based on whether a nearby cell is empty or filled.

Seamless Conditional Formatting

Easily Automate Row Formatting with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet offers powerful, intuitive conditional formatting tools that are perfectly suited for automating task trackers. You can easily highlight or strike through entire rows using custom formulas.

1. Open Your Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file containing your task list or drop-down statuses.
2. Select the Target Range: Highlight all the rows and columns that you want the strikethrough formatting to apply to.
3. Access Conditional Formatting: Go to the Home tab, click on Conditional Formatting, and choose New Rule.
4. Apply Formula and Format: Select 'Use a formula...', enter your rule (e.g., `=$C2="CLOSED"`), set the Strikethrough effect in the Format menu, and click OK.

100% format and formula compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)Intuitive Conditional Formatting rule manager for easy editsFree and lightweight alternative for powerful data analysisBuilt-in data validation tools to create drop-down lists instantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to include TRUE and FALSE in the conditional formatting formula?

No, you do not need to manually type TRUE or FALSE into your formula. The spreadsheet evaluates your statement (such as `=$C2="CLOSED"`). If the condition is met, it evaluates to TRUE internally and applies your chosen format.

Why is the strikethrough formatting only applying to one cell instead of the entire row?

This happens if you forgot to lock the column reference in your formula. Ensure you are using an absolute column reference by placing a dollar sign before the column letter (e.g., `=$C2` instead of `=C2`). This forces the rule to check column C for every cell in that row.

How do I remove or edit the strikethrough rule if I made a mistake?

To edit or remove a rule, navigate to Home > Conditional Formatting > Manage Rules. From there, you can select 'This Worksheet' from the dropdown to view all active rules, and click Edit Rule to fix your formula, or Delete Rule to remove it entirely.

Document & File Issues