Data bars make it easy to analyze the values in a range of cells. They are colored, horizontal bars whose length is dependent upon the value of the cell. The cell value itself, rests in front of the data bar, so the data is still easy to read. Using data bars can be helpful in easily determining high and low values. By default, Excel will configure the data bars based on the highest value and the lowest value in the range of cells. By default, Excel will configure the data bars based on the highest value and the lowest value in the range of cells. You can also apply customized data bars to the selected data range.
1. Select the desired range of data in your Excel spreadsheet.
2. From the Home tab on the Ribbon, click Conditional Formatting. Now mouseover Data Bars and select the desired color for your bars.
If you wish to go with something other than the default type of data bar, select More Rules. At the bottom, use the Type dropdowns for the Shortest and Longest Bar and select the desired type (choices are: Lowest/Highest Value (default), Number, Percent, Formula, or Percentile). You can also change the bar color to a color different from the default sets by using the Bar Color dropdown.
The selected data range will now display the selected data bars along with your data.
