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Example
Data Bars
Conditional Formatting

Lessons.ADV.Excel.06

Adv. Excel Lesson 6:
Conditional Formatting

Data Bars

  • 1. Download the example for this lesson using the link to the right.
  • 2. Your spreadsheet should look like the one below.

Starting Spreadsheet

Data bars appear behind a number in a cell, and adjust their length based on the number in the cell. The larger the number, the longer the data bar will be.

  • 3. Highlight the row of averages in the spreadsheet.
  • 4. Go to Home>Conditional Formatting
  • 5. Select a Data Bars style

Data Bars

Conditional Formatting

You can also use conditional formatting to change the color of a cell based on its contents. We are now going to change the colors in the bottom portion of the spreadsheet based on the letter grade.

  • 6. Highlight all the letter grades in the lower portion of your spreadsheet.
  • 7. Go to Home>Conditional Formatting and choose "New Rule..."
  • 8. In the window that appears select the second rule type, which is "Format only cells that contain."
  • 9. Format only cells with: Specific Text beginning with A.
  • 10. Click the Format Button and format the A grade however you like.
  • 11. Repeat the process above for the remaining letter grades.

Conditional Formatting