How to fix the strikethrough slash while using xlookup or vlookup formula's

Hemanathan V 20 Reputation points
2025-12-02T09:58:39.6+00:00

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While using the xlookup or vlookup some times the returning result contains this horizonata strikethrough. This is some times reverted back by using calculate now, but most of the time it causes mess. I thought that while performing formula in unsaved excel it gets triggered, but it continuous even after closing the workbook. If anyone has valuable fix, please share with me.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For business | Windows
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riny 21,520 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2025-12-02T12:05:24.8966667+00:00

Most likely you have set the calculation mode of your workbook to 'manual'. The strike-through tells you that the values have not been recalculated. Press F9 to force recalculation.

If you do not want this visual feedback regarding so-called 'stale values', set calculation to 'automatic'.

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  1. Alina-Le 6,395 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-12-02T11:02:56.0866667+00:00

    Hello @Hemanathan V

    Welcome to Q&A forum!

    In this case, there are some reasons lead to this issue such as If the source cell or the result cell has Strikethrough applied in "Format Cells" -> "Font", the value returned by XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP will inherit that formatting. Additionally, some Conditional Formatting rules may automatically apply Strikethrough when certain conditions are met (e.g., marking items as “deleted” or “expired”).

    In this case, I will give you some guide to double check at your end:

    1) Check for Strikethrough Font Formatting

    If the cell or the source cell is formatted with Strikethrough, Excel will display the result that way even though the formula itself is correct.

    • Select the affected cells -> Right click on these cells -> Go to the "Font" tab → Ensure "Strikethrough is unchecked".

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    • Alternatively, use Home -> Clear -> Clear Formats on the output cells (if you do not need other formatting on this sheet).

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    Tip: If the Strikethrough appears only intermittently, it may be applied by "Conditional Formatting".

    2) Remove Conditional Formatting Rules That Apply Strikethrough

    A rule on the range (or entire sheet) may set Font -> Strikethrough when a condition is met.

    • Navigate to Home -> Conditional Formatting -> Manage Rules…
    • Change Show formatting rules for to This Worksheet.

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    • Look for any rule that sets Strikethrough in Format… → Font, especially those targeting your lookup range or output column.
    • Edit or delete those rules as needed.

    Even though I’ve tried to make this as close as possible to your experience, we may be in different testing environments, and I might not fully understand your needs. Please feel free to contact me again if you still have any concerns.

    Hope my guidance can support you!

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