google sheets

How To Make Google Sheets Change Color Based On Value In Google Sheets

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Work like a spreadsheet power user and answer all your questions in seconds.


Learn more
Jump to

How to Change Color Based on Value in Google Sheets

Learning to change cell color based on value in Google Sheets enhances data visualization and analysis. This conditional formatting feature helps highlight key data points automatically, improving workflow efficiency.

In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the steps to apply color changes based on cell values in Google Sheets. Additionally, we will explore why Sourcetable is a better alternative to using Google Sheets.

google sheets

How to Make Google Sheets Change Color Based on Value

To make Google Sheets change color based on cell value, you need to use conditional formatting. This feature allows you to set up rules that define how cells should be formatted when certain conditions are met.

Step 1: Open Google Sheets and Select the Range

Open the Google Sheets app on your Android phone or tablet. Select the range of cells that you want to format based on their values.

Step 2: Access Conditional Formatting

Tap Format, then tap Conditional formatting. This will open the conditional formatting sidebar where you can set your rules.

Step 3: Set the Rule Conditions

Under the Format cells if drop-down menu, choose the condition that you want to trigger the rule. For example, you can select if a cell contains a specific value or if it is greater than a certain number.

Step 4: Choose Formatting Style

Under Formatting style, choose what the cell will look like when conditions are met. You can change text color, background color, or both.

Step 5: Save the Rule

Once you have set your condition and chosen a formatting style, tap SAVE to apply the rule. The cell color will change automatically based on the values now.

Using Custom Formulas

For advanced users, tap Custom formula under the Format cells if drop-down menu. Add dollar signs ($) for absolute references in your formula to precisely define the conditions.

Managing Multiple Rules

You can set multiple rules to handle different conditions. The rules are evaluated in the order listed, and the first rule found to be true will apply. Conditional formatting updates automatically when data changes.

Removing a Rule

If you need to remove a rule, simply tap Remove in the conditional formatting sidebar and then confirm by tapping Done.

google sheets

Use Cases Unlocked by Knowing How to Make Google Sheets Change Color Based on Value

1. Highlighting Scores in Education

Teachers can highlight student test scores below a certain threshold, such as 80%. This makes it easy to identify students who may need additional support. By using conditional formatting, educators can instantly see which scores fall below the passing mark.

2. Tracking Inventory Levels

Businesses can monitor inventory levels by changing the color of cells based on stock quantities. For example, when stock falls below a certain level, the cell can turn red. This helps quickly identify products that need reordering.

3. Identifying Duplicate Values

Conditional formatting can be set up to highlight duplicate values within a dataset. For example, using the custom formula "=COUNTIF($A$1:$A$100,A1)>1" can color cells that contain repeated information. This is highly useful for cleansing data and avoiding errors in reports.

4. Monitoring Project Deadlines

Project managers can use conditional formatting to change cell colors based on due dates. For instance, tasks that are overdue can be highlighted in red. This visual cue helps ensure that deadlines are met and resources are allocated efficiently.

5. Expense Tracking in Personal Finance

Individuals can manage their budgets by color-coding expenses that exceed predefined limits. When expenses entered into Google Sheets surpass the budget, those cells can turn a different color. This visual aid helps in maintaining financial discipline.

6. Evaluating Data Trends

Data analysts can use conditional formatting to quickly spot trends. For example, cells representing sales figures that exceed a particular amount can be colored green. This allows analysts to swiftly identify significant data points.

7. Attendance Monitoring in Schools

School administrators can use conditional formatting to track student attendance. Different colors can be applied to indicate present, absent, and late statuses. This makes it easier to review attendance records at a glance.

8. Health Metrics Tracking

Medical professionals can track patient health metrics such as blood pressure and glucose levels. Cells can be color-coded to indicate normal, high, or low values, providing a quick overview of a patient’s health status.

sourcetable

Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable

When choosing between Google Sheets and Sourcetable, one key difference stands out: automation and ease of use for advanced tasks. Sourcetable is an AI-first spreadsheet platform that simplifies complex spreadsheet operations.

Sourcetable's AI assistant is a game-changer. It can write intricate spreadsheet formulas and SQL queries for you. This makes Sourcetable incredibly user-friendly, especially for users who may find advanced spreadsheet tasks daunting.

One common question with Google Sheets is, "how to make google sheets change color based on value?" With Sourcetable, this task becomes significantly easier. The AI assistant can automate such operations, saving you time and effort, and making them accessible even if you're not an advanced user.

Sourcetable also offers extensive integrations, connecting with over five hundred data sources. This gives you the ability to search and query your data effortlessly, a feature that can make data analysis far more efficient compared to Google Sheets.

In summary, Sourcetable excels in making advanced, time-consuming spreadsheet operations simple and quick. Its AI capabilities and extensive integrations set it apart as the preferable choice for answering complex data-related questions.

sourcetable

How to Change Cell Color Based on Value using Sourcetable

  1. Changing cell colors based on their values in Sourcetable is seamless with the AI assistant. Simply open the Sourcetable AI assistant, a chatbot designed to help with advanced spreadsheet tasks.
  2. To begin, type your question into the chatbot, such as "How do I change cell color based on value?" The chatbot will analyze your spreadsheet data and guide you step-by-step.
  3. The AI assistant will provide you with the specific formula or SQL query needed to apply conditional formatting based on cell values. Follow the instructions to implement this functionality in your Sourcetable document.
  4. With over five hundred data source integrations, Sourcetable makes it easy to manage and visualize your data. Use the AI assistant to enhance your productivity and master spreadsheet tasks quickly.
google sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply conditional formatting to change cell color based on its value in Google Sheets?

To apply conditional formatting based on a cell's value, open your spreadsheet, select the range to format, tap Format, then Conditional formatting. Choose the condition to trigger the rule under 'Format cells if', select how the cells will look when the condition is met under 'Formatting style', and tap SAVE.

Can I change the color of a cell in Google Sheets based on another cell's value?

Yes, you can use custom formulas with conditional formatting to change a cell's color based on the value of another cell. In the conditional formatting rules, tap Custom formula under the 'Format cells if' drop-down menu and use absolute references if necessary.

How can I apply a color gradient to data in Google Sheets?

To apply a color gradient, or color scale, select the range you want to format, click Format, then Conditional formatting. Choose Color scale, then apply the formatting rules by associating specific colors with the maximum, minimum, and midpoint of the range.

What are the steps to create a basic conditional formatting rule in Google Sheets?

First, select the range you want to format. Then, click Format in the top menu, select Conditional formatting, and choose a condition from the dropdown menu under 'Format cells if'. Set your formatting style and click Done.

How do I use wildcard characters with conditional formatting in Google Sheets?

Wildcard characters can be used in the 'Text contains' or 'Text does not contain' fields while setting up conditional formatting rules. They help match multiple expressions.

Can I apply multiple conditional formatting rules to the same range in Google Sheets?

Yes, you can use multiple conditional formatting rules to further dissect data visually. Rules are evaluated in the order they are listed, and the first rule found to be true will define the format of the cell or range.

How can I remove a conditional formatting rule in Google Sheets?

To remove a conditional formatting rule, tap Format Conditional formatting, select the rule you want to remove, and tap Remove Done.

Conclusion

Learning how to make Google Sheets change color based on value can enhance data visualization. Sourcetable makes it even easier to perform these tasks.

Sourcetable integrates with third-party tools, allowing real-time data access in an intuitive interface. Its AI capabilities simplify automating anything in a spreadsheet, including reports.

Sourcetable AI can answer any question relating to spreadsheet formulas, data, and more. Try Sourcetable today.



Sourcetable Logo

Work smarter, not harder

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Answer all your questions about spreadsheets in seconds. Try for free to get started.

Learn More
Drop CSV