Excel Tips


Comparative Histogram »

August 16, 2023

I want to compare two populations of data.


Data Bars Options »

August 15, 2023

Cells that contain 0 will get no data bar.


Use the SIGN Function for Up/Flat/Down Icon Set »

August 14, 2023

I want to show if a value is up or down compared to the previous reading. How can I use the poorly-named Three Triangles icon set to show up, down, or flat?


Add Icons to Only the Good Cells »

August 11, 2023

I want to mark only the best (or worst) cells with an icon. Everything else should not be marked with any icon.


Control Values for Each Icon »

August 10, 2023

I applied an icon set. They are adding green checkmarks to cells that are not in the best quality range.


Convert a Table of Numbers to a Visualization »

August 9, 2023

My manager’s eyes glaze over when he sees a table of numbers. Is there anything I can do to help him spot trends in the data?


Shade the Normal Range in a Sparkline »

August 8, 2023

The examples in Tufte’s book would often draw a rectangular box to show the expected normal range for a sparkline. This allowed you to see when the sparkline deviated from normal.


Labeling Sparklines »

August 7, 2023

I want to add labels to a sparkline.


What is the Win Loss Sparkline For? »

August 4, 2023

What is the win/loss sparkline used for?