To strikethrough text in Google Docs, highlight the text and press Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows or Chromebook, or ⌘ + Shift + X on a Mac. You can also highlight the text and choose Format > Text > Strikethrough from the menu bar.
Below you’ll find every way to add a strikethrough in Google Docs — keyboard shortcuts, the Format menu, the mobile apps, how to remove a strikethrough, and what to do when the shortcut doesn’t work.
| Device | Google Docs Strikethrough Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows PC | Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Mac | ⌘ (Command) + Shift + X |
| Chromebook | Alt + Shift + 5 |
| Android / iPhone / iPad | No shortcut — use the formatting toolbar |
Why Use Strikethrough in Google Docs?
There are several reasons you would want to strikethrough text in a Google Doc:
- Marking completed items in a meeting agenda or to-do list without deleting them
- Showing edits and deletions in a draft while keeping the original wording visible
- Redlining contract language so reviewers can see exactly what was removed
- Crossing out an old price, date, or figure that has been superseded
One of our favorite use cases is to strikethrough completed items in a meeting agenda’s bulleted list.
Google Docs Strikethrough Keyboard Shortcut
The fastest way to strikethrough text is with a keyboard shortcut while editing a document.
Strikethrough in Google Docs on Windows (Alt + Shift + 5)
1. On a Windows computer, highlight the text you want to strike. Then, simultaneously press Alt + Shift + 5 on your keyboard. Use the 5 on the number row across the top — the 5 on the numeric keypad will not work.
Strikethrough in Google Docs on a Mac (⌘ + Shift + X)
2. On a Mac, highlight the text. Then, press ⌘ (Command) + Shift + X at the same time. This works the same way in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox.
Strikethrough in Google Docs on a Chromebook
Chromebooks use the same shortcut as Windows: highlight your text and press Alt + Shift + 5.
Shortcuts Are Easier on a Keyboard You Actually Like
Three-key combos like Alt + Shift + 5 are a lot less awkward on a full-size layout with a real number row. The Logitech MX Keys S is our pick for Google Workspace work — it pairs with up to three devices, has both Windows and Mac legends printed on the keys, and the low-profile keys are quiet enough for a shared office.
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How to Strikethrough Using the Format Menu
Another option for adding a strikethrough to text is to highlight the text and then select Format > Text > Strikethrough from the menu.
This method is worth remembering even if you prefer shortcuts, because it works on any operating system and never conflicts with browser or system hotkeys.
How to Strikethrough in the Google Docs Mobile App
There is no keyboard shortcut in the mobile apps, but strikethrough is available in the formatting toolbar on both Android and iOS.
- Open your document and tap the pencil icon to start editing.
- Select the text you want to strike by tapping and dragging the selection handles.
- Tap the formatting icon in the toolbar — the underlined A.
- On the Text tab, tap the crossed-out S to apply the strikethrough.
How to Remove a Strikethrough in Google Docs
You can use the same process to remove a strikethrough line from any text that was previously stricken. Strikethrough is a toggle: highlight the struck text and press the same shortcut again (Alt + Shift + 5 or ⌘ + Shift + X), or revisit Format > Text > Strikethrough to switch it off.
To strip every bit of formatting from a selection at once — strikethrough, bold, color, and font changes — use Format > Clear formatting, or press Ctrl + \ on Windows and ⌘ + \ on a Mac.
Google Docs Strikethrough Shortcut Not Working? Try This
- Use the number row, not the keypad. Alt + Shift + 5 only registers with the 5 above the letter keys.
- Check your Windows language settings. Alt + Shift is the default Windows shortcut for switching keyboard layouts, which can swallow the keystroke. You can change or disable it in Windows keyboard settings.
- Make sure Docs shortcuts are enabled. Press Ctrl + / (or ⌘ + /) to open the shortcut list and confirm shortcuts are turned on.
- Disable conflicting browser extensions. Extensions that bind global hotkeys are a common culprit — test in an incognito window.
- Confirm you have edit access. Shortcuts do nothing in view-only or suggesting-only mode. Check the mode selector in the top-right corner.
- Fall back to the Format menu. It always works, regardless of your keyboard or OS.
Bonus: Strikethrough in Google Sheets
The same shortcuts carry over to Google Sheets. Select the cells or text and press Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows or ⌘ + Shift + X on a Mac. In Sheets, the menu path is Format > Text > Strikethrough.
Google Docs Strikethrough FAQ
What is the shortcut for strikethrough in Google Docs?
Alt + Shift + 5 on Windows and Chromebook, and ⌘ + Shift + X on a Mac. Highlight the text first, then press all keys at the same time.
Is there a strikethrough button in the Google Docs toolbar?
Not on the desktop toolbar, which shows only bold, italic, and underline. Use the keyboard shortcut or Format > Text > Strikethrough. The mobile apps do include a strikethrough button in the formatting panel.
Can I strikethrough part of a sentence?
Yes. Strikethrough applies to whatever you have highlighted, so you can strike a single word or even a single character while leaving the rest of the sentence untouched.
Does strikethrough survive a download to Word or PDF?
Yes. Strikethrough is standard character formatting, so it carries over when you download your document as .docx, .pdf, .odt, or .rtf.
Should I use strikethrough or Suggesting mode for edits?
For collaborative review, Suggesting mode is usually better — it strikes deleted text automatically and lets collaborators accept or reject each change. Manual strikethrough is the right tool when you want the crossed-out text to stay in the final document, as with a completed checklist or a superseded price.
For the full list of shortcuts, see Google’s Google Docs keyboard shortcuts reference.