Color cells based on cell value

**BioBeaver** · 09-15-2010, 09:55 PM

I'm trying to color the cells of my spreadsheet based on the value I have inputted into the cells. The conditional formatting option does not work, because I would like to color the cells as a continuous gradient between two colors, and not as a set of discrete criteria.

In short, I would like to create a heatmap of my data, with the values in the cells still visible, but the cell colored based on the value in that cell.

Any help is much appreciated.

**teylyn** · 09-15-2010, 10:14 PM

Hello BioBeaver,

in Excel 2003 you would require VBA to do that. If you get a chance to upgrade to 2007, or better, 2010, the functionality you describe is provided there natively.

Also, creating a gradient effect with Excel 2003's rather limited palette would also require changes to the color palette.

Can you mock up some examples for what you would like to see?

**BioBeaver** · 09-16-2010, 01:05 PM

Thanks Teylyn,

I am on Excel 2007, I just don't know how to do this. I'm not sure how to mock up something like what I want.

**teylyn** · 09-16-2010, 07:05 PM

BioBeaver, please update your profile. It says you're using Excel 2003. This snippet of information saves people from wasting their time working out a solution that does not apply to your version.

Have you tried color scales?

Upload a sample file and explain in context.