Module 12
3 min
Data Bars & Color Scales
Visualize numbers with colors and bars inside cells
Data Bars & Color Scales
Make numbers visual — see patterns instantly!
Data Bars
Adds a bar inside the cell based on value.
Bigger number = Longer bar
Add Data Bars
- Select your numbers
- Home → Conditional Formatting
- Data Bars → Pick a color
| Sales | With Data Bar |
|---|---|
| 100 | ████████████ |
| 50 | ██████ |
| 75 | █████████ |
| 25 | ███ |
4 rows
Color Scales
Colors cells based on value.
- Low = One color (e.g., red)
- High = Another color (e.g., green)
- Middle = Blend
Add Color Scales
- Select your numbers
- Home → Conditional Formatting
- Color Scales → Pick a style
Common styles:
- Green-Yellow-Red (traffic light)
- Red-White-Green
- Blue-White-Red
When to Use What
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Data Bars | Comparing sizes (sales, quantities) |
| Color Scales | Finding highs/lows (scores, temperatures) |
2 rows
Real Examples
Sales Report:
- Data bars show which product sells most
Test Scores:
- Color scale: Green = high, Red = low
Temperature:
- Blue (cold) to Red (hot)
Remove Formatting
- Select cells
- Home → Conditional Formatting
- Clear Rules → Clear Rules from Selected Cells
Summary
- Data Bars = bars inside cells
- Color Scales = colors based on value
- Both help spot patterns quickly
- Find in Home → Conditional Formatting