A single diagonal line within a Microsoft Excel table cell communicates that the cell has two values or no information. Two diagonal lines mark outdated information with an X. Use one of three options to create these lines: a border format, cell style or line graphic.
Format an Individual Cell
Click the cell and in the Cells group of the "Home" tab, choose the "Format" button, followed "Format Cells." On the subsequent screen, click the "Border" tab. Depending on the slash direction you want, pick one of the two diagonal border buttons available under Border. Then, click "OK" to apply it.
Create a New Cell Style
Place your cursor in a blank cell and then navigate to the Styles group on the Home tab. Click the "Cell Styles" button and choose "New Cell Style." In the subsequent screen, name your new style -- for example, SlashLeft or SlashRight -- and then click "Format." Select the "Border" tab and click either of the two diagonal border buttons under Border. Then, click "OK." To apply the slash afterward, simply click the "Cell Styles" button, followed by your new style's name under Custom.
Draw a Slash
Choose the "Insert" tab, followed by the "Shapes" button in the Illustrations group. Choose the "Straight Line" drawing option under Lines. Draw a diagonal line within a cell by clicking and dragging your cursor from one corner to another. Use the line's end points to adjust its length and angle.
- Microsoft Office: Insert or Remove Cell Borders on a Worksheet
- Microsoft Office: Draw or Delete a Line, Connector, or Freeform Shape
- Microsoft Office: Apply or Remove Cell Borders on a Worksheet (2010)
- Microsoft Office: Apply or Remove Cell Borders on a Worksheet (2007)
- Microsoft Office: Using Angled Text and Borders in Excel (2003)