How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel (2 Simple Methods)

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While working in Microsoft Excel, it may be necessary to represent values in graphs and this is where Data Bars come in handy. In fact, they add visual depth and clarity to the information. With this purpose, this article wishes to demonstrate 2 easy methods on how to add solid fill data bars in Excel.


What Are Data Bars?

Data Bars are a feature of the Conditional Formatting tool, allowing us to insert a bar chart inside the cells. In fact, the size of the bars depends on the value of the cell. Simply put, larger values have a bigger bar line while smaller values have a small bar line. Moreover, data bars help us visualize the values of the cells at a glance.


2 Methods to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel 

To illustrate the first method, let’s consider the dataset in the B4:D13 cells, which shows the Company names, the company Ticker, and the Stock Price in USD.

Dataset 1

So, without further delay, let’s look at the following methods step-by-step.


1. Using Conditional Formatting to Add Solid Fill Data Bars

Excel’s Conditional Formatting option helps users change the looks of a dataset based on certain criteria like minimum or maximum numbers, range of values, etc. To conduct this, follow these simple steps below:

📌 Steps:

  • Firstly, select the Stock Price values in the D5:D13 cells and click the Conditional Formatting drop-down.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Using Conditional Formatting

  • Secondly, select Conditional Formatting > Data Bars > Solid Fill as shown in the image below.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Using Conditional Formatting

That’s it, you have successfully added Solid Fill Data Bars to your dataset.

Using Conditional Formatting

📋 Note: You can also add Data Bars by selecting the cells and Pressing CTRL + Q to access the Quick Analysis tool.

Using Keyboard Shortcut


Similar Readings:


2. Applying Solid Fill Data Bars with VBA Code

Although adding Data Bars is very easy, if you need to do it often, then you may consider the VBA code below. So, just follow these steps bit by bit.

Assuming the dataset given below in the B4:D13 cells. Here, the dataset shows the Company names, the company Ticker, and the 2021 Profit in USD.

Dataset 2

📌 Step 01: Open the Visual Basic Editor

  • Firstly, go to the Developer > Visual Basic.

Using VBA Code

📌 Step 02: Insert the VBA Code

  • Secondly, insert a Module where you’ll paste the VBA code.

Inserting Module

For your ease of reference, you can copy and paste the code from here.

Sub AddSolidDataBars()
Dim rng As Range
Dim dtb As Databar
Set rng = Range("D5", Range("D5").End(xlDown))
Set dtb = rng.FormatConditions.AddDatabar
With dtb
    .BarColor.Color = vbYellow
    .BarFillType = xlDataBarFillSolid
    .BarBorder.Type = xlDataBarBorderSolid
    .BarBorder.Color.Color = vbBlack
    .AxisPosition = xlDataBarAxisAutomatic
    .AxisColor.Color = vbRed
    With .NegativeBarFormat
        .ColorType = xlDataBarColor
        .Color.Color = vbRed
        .BorderColorType = xlDataBarColor
        .BorderColor.Color = vbRed
    End With
End With
End Sub

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Using VBA Code

💡 Code Breakdown:

Now, I will explain the VBA code for adding Solid Fill Data Bars. In this case, the code is divided into 4 parts.

  • 1- Firstly, give a name to the sub-routine, and define the variables.
  • 2- Secondly, use the Set statement to select the cells and add Data Bars.
  • 3- Thirdly, apply the With statement to perform tasks like adding bar color, fill type, axis position, etc. for the Solid Fill Data Bars with positive value.
  • 4- Finally, nest a second With statement for formatting the Solid Fill Data Bars with negative values.

VBA Code Explanation

📌 Step 03: Run the VBA Code

  • Thirdly, press the F5 key to run the VBA Code.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Using VBA Code

Finally, the results should look like the picture given below.

Using VBA Code


How to Format Solid Fill Data Bars

Now that you’ve learned how to add the Solid Fill Data Bars, let’s see how to make changes to the default settings, to get better-looking bars. So, follow along.

  • At the very beginning, select the Stock Price values and go to Conditional Formatting > Data Bars > More Rules.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars

Next, the New Formatting Rule wizard appears which allows you to customize the Data Bars according to your preference.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars

In the following section, we’ll discuss how to customize Solid Fill Data Bars.


Hiding Data Values in Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel

Sometimes, you might need to hide data values while using the Solid Fill Data Bars. You can easily hide the data values from the cells in case the Data Bars look cluttered.

  • Initially, choose the Format all cells based on their values, followed by the Show Bar Only option.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars

This gives the outcome as shown in the image below.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars


Setting Maximum and Minimum Values for Data Bar

Next, you can set the maximum and minimum values for your Solid Fill Data Bars. Now, the default option is set to Automatic but you can change it by following the steps below.

  • In a similar fashion, set the Type to Number for both Minimum and Maximum groups.
  • Next, set the Values as shown in the picture below.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars

The results appear as shown below.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars


Changing Solid Fill Data Bar Color and Border

Lastly, you can change the color of the Solid Fill Data Bars and their border. It’s easy, just follow these simple steps.

  • Similarly, navigate to the Bar Appearance group and select a suitable color.
  • Then, choose the Solid Border option and set the border color to black.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars

The results should look like the following picture.

How to Add Solid Fill Data Bars in Excel Formatting Data Bars


🔔 Things to Remember

  • Firstly, Solid Fill Data Bars apply only to numeric values and not text data.
  • Secondly, unlike Excel Charts, Solid Fill Data Bars only apply on the horizontal axis.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from the link below.


Conclusion

I hope this article helped you understand how to add solid fill data bars in Excel. If you have any queries, please leave a comment below.


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Eshrak Kader
Eshrak Kader

Hello! Welcome to my Profile. I completed my BSc. at Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology from the Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering. Currently, I am conducting research & posting articles related to Microsoft Excel. I am passionate about research & development and finding innovative solutions to problems.

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