How to X out a cell in Google Sheets.

Google Sheets is a robust spreadsheet application that gives users the ability to easily organize, analyze, and manipulate data. There are workarounds to get the required result even though Google Sheets may not have a special function for crossing off cells with diagonal lines.

In this step-by-step tutorial, we will walk you through two methods: placing an “X” sign across a cell using Google Sheets’ Drawing function and applying strikethrough formatting. For the sake of this lesson, we’ll assume you already have a Google Sheets data set with a number of cells containing text or numeric values and other information. Certain cells should be visually denoted by being crossed out, either with strikethrough formatting or by adding an “X” symbol.

Method 1 – Applying Strikethrough Formatting

In Google Sheets, strikethrough formatting visually indicates modifications or deletions by marking cells as incorrect or ignored. This technique improves data clarity and enables efficient modification transmission. The methods that follow will teach you how to select cells and add strikethrough formatting, allowing you to show changes in your spreadsheet.

Step 1 – Select the cell or cells.

• Click and drag to pick the cell or cells that you want to delete from your Google Sheets document.
• In our case, we’ve selected cell A2 i.e. “Apple”

Step 2 – Click on the Strikethrough icon in the toolbar.

• On the Google Sheets interface, look for the toolbar at the top.
• Locate and choose the Strikethrough icon from the toolbar.
• Typically, the Strikethrough icon looks like an “S” with a line through it.

Step 3 – X out the selected cells.

• All of the selected cells will have an “X” drawn through them once you click the Strikethrough icon to show that they have been crossed out using strikethrough formatting.

Method 2 – Inserting an “X” Over a Cell

In Google Sheets, you may mark particular cells graphically by placing an “X” over them. You can clearly highlight a cell’s significance or invalidate its contents by adding an “X” mark across it. You will discover how to use Google Sheets’ Drawing feature to add an “X” over a cell in the steps below.

Step 1 – Select the cell or cells.

• Click and drag to pick the cell or cells that you want to delete from your Google Sheets document.
• In our case, we’ve selected cell A2 i.e. “Apple”

Step 2 – Choose the Drawing option from the Insert menu

• Find the “Insert” menu in Google Sheets and click it.
• Go to the dropdown menu and choose “Drawing.”

Step 3 – Open the Shape option

• Click on the Shape icon, which looks like a square or rectangle, in the Drawing Editor box.
• By doing so, the form menu will appear, displaying different form options.

Step 4 – Select the Multiply symbol (X)

• Locate the “Equation” submenu under the Shape menu and place your cursor there.
• Select the “X”-shaped Multiply icon from the list of options that appears.
• Select the Multiply symbol, then click and drag it over the Drawing Editor’s canvas.
• To make the “X” sign in the desired size and shape, move the pointer.

Step 5 – Adjust the width of the lines

• Find the yellow diamond at the top-left corner of the box to change the ‘X’ symbol’s line thickness.
• To make the lines thinner or wider, click and move the yellow diamond up or down.
• You can also change the color if you want to, To alter the symbol’s appearance, choose the appropriate Fill Color and Border Color options.
• Click the Save and Close button after adjusting as appropriate.

Step 6 – Place the “X” symbol above the desired cell

• The “X” symbol can be moved to the desired position over the cell by clicking and dragging it there.
• Use the square drag handles on the symbol’s edges and sides to move the “X” so that it completely encloses the cell.
• The “X” symbol can be resized by clicking and dragging these handles until it neatly fits inside the cell’s confines.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Google Sheets offers efficient ways to cross out cells, improving communication and understanding of data. Users can graphically convey changes and emphasize essential information by using strikethrough formatting or introducing an “X” symbol. These methods help make spreadsheets clearer and more structured, enabling users to present and analyze data effectively. Users can modify their data display with Google Sheets’ flexible capabilities, which enhances productivity and data management.