Excel is no doubt an extensively used tool that lets you store and analyze data in spreadsheets. Not only this, but you can even make your data presentable by using different features used in an Excel sheet. These features include adding and changing the colors of cells, changing the formats of cells, and much more. Sometimes, you need to change the cell color based on the values in it.
Here, you will get to know how to change the color of cells in Excel with the help of built-in features.
How to Change the Color of Cells in Excel
Below are some easy-to-follow steps you can use to change cell colors:
- Open the Excel sheet and choose the cell range in which you need to change the colors.
- Open the Home tab and choose the Cells option.
- From this dialog box, select the Format icon and choose the Cell Colors option given in the list.
- Choose a color you like from the given color scheme and then press OK.
- You will see the cell color is changed into what you have selected.
Why Use a Formula to Fill Colors in Excel Cells
You can find many benefits of using a formula to fill colors in Excel cells. These benefits include:
Save Time on Coloring Cells
Coloring each cell takes time that’s why if you use an automated system that fills colors automatically, you can increase your productivity level.
Comprehend Data Instantly
You can customize cells in the sheet that let you change colors based on the data in it. it can help you understand the data instantly, such as when you set cells to turn red a negative value appears, whereas the green color shows a positive value.
Make Useful Templates
A predefined template also lets you perform a task quickly in a more efficient way.
Turn Sheets into More Dynamic
When you need the sheets to be aesthetic and powerful visually, you can automate color coding to enhance the presentation of the sheet.
Basic Cell Color Formatting
Did you ever try changing the cell background color with the formatting of the cell?
If yes, you must have noticed that you can select the Fill section and choose whatever color you like to fill in the cell.
In this example, you will see that cell E3 has changed its color from No Fill to Blue color. Apart from that you also would have noticed that the value in cell E3 is 6 and suppose you change the value of this cell, the cell color will not change.
Why does it happen?
It is simply because the cell color is not dependent on cell value that’s why it does not matter what value is added in E3, the color will remain the same.
Cell color formatting based on the cell value:
What would you do if you need to change the cell color based on a cell value?
For instance, you need cell E3 to change its color with the change of value. You can assign the number coding like this for each color:
0-10: Values within this range will have Blue color
11-20: Values within this range will have Red color
21-30: Values within this range will have Yellow color
Values other than these ranges or Blank: No color or No Fill
It is possible only with the help of conditional formatting. For this, open the Home tab and choose the Style option.
From this menu, click on Conditional Formatting and then choose New Rule.
Don’t forget to select the cell in which you need to apply conditional formatting.
Now, choose the “Format only cells that contain” option.
From the first drop-down menu choose “Cell Value” and from the second drop-down choose “Between”.
Put 0 in the first box and 10 in the second box. Now, click on the Format button and open the Fill Tab. choose the blue color and press OK twice.
Now, once again put the value between 0 and 10 in cell E3 and you will notice the cell color changes to blue and case if you have any other value the cell color will be changed accordingly.
Repeat the process for another coding list such as 11-20 and 21-30. It will work automatically just the way you have entered the coding.
Summary
Today, you have learned how to change the color of cells in Excel and how it becomes a convenient option for you. Keep practicing and continue your exploration with Excel.
