Give a to-do list a satisfying done look: when a row is marked complete, strike through and gray the task automatically with a conditional-formatting rule.
The example
Done tasks struck through.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task | Status |
| 2 | Email client | Done |
| 3 | Draft report | Open |
The formula
Rule formula (the strikethrough is in the format):
How it works
The condition is a formula; the look is the format:
- Select the task cells (or the whole row), then add a formula rule
=$C1="Done"— column C locked so each row checks its own status. - In the rule’s Format → Font, tick Strikethrough and pick a gray color.
- Mark a task “Done” and it instantly strikes through; clear it and the style reverts.
- Drive the status with a checkbox or dropdown for a one-click experience.
Checkbox-driven: in Excel 365, insert a checkbox (Insert → Checkbox) linked to the status cell — its TRUE/FALSE can drive =$C1=TRUE for a tick-to-strike to-do list.
Try it: interactive demo
Toggle done to strike through.
Variations
Whole row
Strike the entire row:
Checkbox TRUE
Linked checkbox:
Gray, no strike
Just dim it — gray font in the format.
Pitfalls & errors
Strikethrough lives in the format, not the formula. Set it under Format → Font in the rule — the formula only decides when.
Lock the status column. Use $C1 so every cell in the row checks column C.
Exact text match. “Done ” with a space won’t match “Done” — or use a checkbox/dropdown to standardize.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I strike through completed tasks in Excel?
How do I strike the whole row?
Can a checkbox drive it?
Stop fighting formulas. Learn them in a day.
This recipe is one of hundreds of real-world formulas we teach. Our Excel Formulas & Functions class covers lookups, logic, text, and dynamic arrays hands-on — live in Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, Oklahoma City, Denver, or online.
See the Formulas & Functions Class