Microsoft Excel is one of the most preferred tools in creating and managing spreadsheets because of its ability to analyze and format data in a very easy way. With your data, you can apply conditional formatting to aid in focusing on key points while subtotal allows for grouped data to be summed quickly.
This article aims to educate the user on the utilization of conditional formatting and subtotal functions in Excel so as to improve how the user manages and analyzes data.
1. Applying Conditional Formatting in Excel
Excel offers a feature which, formatted the right way, applies set color codes to a pre defined range of cells. Trends verification, spotting errors and analyzing of data becomes easier with this feature as the data provided is much clearer and enhances understanding.
Steps to Apply Conditional Formatting
- Open Microsoft Excel and select the data range to format.
- Click on the Home Tab
- Click on Conditional Formatting
- Select any of the options from:
- Highlight Cell Rules (greater than, less than, duplicate values).
- Top/Bottom Rules (highlight top 10%, bottom 10%).
- Data Bars, Color Scales, Icon Sets for visual representation.
This feature helps spot and classify critical data with minimum efforts.
How To Delete Conditional Formating Rules
In case you do not want the formatting to be preserved, follow the steps outlined below:
- Choose the data range that has been assigned conditional formatting.
- Click on “Conditional formatting” from the “Home” button.
- From the list, select “Clear Rules”, and specify:
- “Clear Rules from Selected Cells” if you wish to place specific rules in particular cells.
- “Clear Rules from Entire Sheet” if you wish to remove all the defined rules.
This will make sure that your data is formatted correctly and easy to understand.
2. The Application of Subtotal Feature in Excel
The subtotal feature provides a way to possess total of values grouped without putting them together.
How To Subtotal In Excel
- Use Ctrl + A to select the whole data range.
- Click on the Data tab.
- Click to the right of the ribbon on “Subtotal.”
- A new window will pop open, please check:
- Column for grouping: example, product category.
- Function to apply: example, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT.
- Click on “OK” to add the subtotals.
Excel will now summarize the figures for you based on the criteria you set to group them by.
Insights Into Subtotal Tabs
Applying the subtotal option reveals three ways to view information.
- First Tab: Displays grand total only.
- Second Tab: Displays subtotals for each group.
- Third Tab: Displays all detailed data with totals.
Switching between these tabs is helpful for better data analysis.
Removing Subtotal In Excel Made Simple
To get rid of subtotals, follow this guide:
- Highlight the data with the subtotals.
- Click on “Subtotal” under the Data tab.
- Click on “Remove All” if you wish to clear any and all subtotal.
This makes sure the data is well-organized and neatly displayed.
Summary
- Use Conditional Formatting to highlight key trends and major concerns.
- Apply Subtotal to save time when summarizing group-wise data.
- Don’t forget to clean your sheet by proper removal of formatting, subtotal, and any other adornments.
- Make use of built-in tools to Excel for easy data analysis.
An improved spreadsheet leads to swift workflow and saves time. Enhance your spreadsheets by mastering conditional formatting and subtotaling.