How to Use Sparklines in Excel 2016

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Microsoft Excel 2016 is a powerful tool that provides various ways to analyze and visualize data. One of the unique features that Excel offers is sparklines. Sparklines are small charts that fit into a single cell. They are a great way to visually represent data trends over a period of time. Since sparklines are embedded in cells, they are very compact and provide a high-level summary of the data without taking up much space. In this guide, we will see how to effectively use sparklines in Excel 2016.

What are sparklines?

Sparklines are small graphs that depict trends in data. They typically show striking trends or variations in data, such as increases, decreases, peaks, and valleys, in a simple and concise way. In Excel, sparklines are created in separate cells, unlike charts, which are placed on a worksheet. This feature was introduced to enhance the visual representation of data sets without cluttering the worksheet.

Benefits of using sparklines

Sparklines can be extremely useful for several reasons:

• Compact: Sparklines take up less space because they fit inside cells. This helps fit more data into your reports and dashboards.
• Quick insights: They provide a quick view of trends or patterns in your data, making it easier to interpret numbers at a glance.
• In-cell visualization: Since sparklines are embedded in cells, they become part of your data set and move when you adjust rows and columns.
• Flexibility: Sparklines provide an instant view of comparisons between different data series.

Types of sparklines

Excel 2016 offers three primary types of sparklines:

• Line sparklines: These are simple line graphs that show the trend of your data in a row or column.
• Column sparklines: These are similar to a standard column chart, with vertical bars representing individual data points in a series.
• Win/lose sparklines: These are ideal for showing positive and negative values. Instead of showing the exact value, they show a simple positive or negative sign.

How to insert sparklines in Excel 2016

Let's talk about how to insert sparklines in an Excel 2016 worksheet. We'll look at step-by-step instructions below:

Step 1: Prepare your data

First, you'll need some data to work with. For the sake of this explanation, let's assume you have monthly sales data for a product over a year:

Step 2: Select the cells for the sparkline

After you enter your data, select the cell where you want the sparkline to appear. If you want the sparkline to be placed next to your data, select the cell in the column next to your data set.

Step 3: Insert the sparkline

Now, let's insert a sparkline:

1. Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon at the top of Excel 2016.
2. In the Sparklines group, you'll see options for Line, Column, and Win/Loss. Click the type of sparkline you want to create. For this example, we'll select Line.
3. A dialog box called Create Sparklines will appear. Here you will need to specify the data range. Click the Data Range input box, and then select the cells that contain your data. For our example, you will select cells B2 to B13.
4. Below the Data Range field, there is also a Location Range field. This is where your sparkline will be placed. If you have already selected a cell before this step, it will be automatically populated with that cell address. If not, select the location range where you want your sparkline to appear.
5. Click the OK button. You will see a straight line sparkline appear in the selected cells.

Customizing sparklines

Once you add sparklines, Excel 2016 gives you several options for customizing them:

Modifying the sparkline type

If you decide to change the type of sparkline you insert, simply select the cells containing your sparklines, go to the Design tab under Sparkline Tools, and select the type of sparkline you want.

Adding a marker

Markers can be added to highlight important data points on your sparkline. To add a marker, select your sparkline cells, go to the Design tab under Sparkline Tools, and check the Marker box in the Show group.

Changing the sparkline design

Further customization options can be accessed under the Sparkline Tools -> Design tab:

• Line color: Allows you to change the color of the sparkline. Simply click the 'Sparkline Color' dropdown to choose a new color.
• Marker color: Provides options to change the color for specific markers like High Point, Low Point, First Point and Last Point. Click on 'Marker Color' and choose the color you want.
• Styles: Excel provides a variety of predefined styles for quickly applying thematic formatting to your sparklines. Hovering over each style in the Style box displays a live preview.
• Axis: You can adjust the vertical axis of a sparkline for better comparison between multiple sparklines.

Using sparklines for data analysis

Sparklines are incredibly useful for quick data analysis and presentation. Here are some scenarios where sparklines can be particularly useful:

• Monthly sales trends: Display up and down trends in sales data to quickly assess performance.
• Stock prices: View stock price fluctuations over time in a concise manner, perfect for direct comparison across multiple stocks.
• Performance metrics: Compare performance indicators against targets over time, such as in a win/lose format, to show achievements at or above a threshold.

Best practices when using sparklines

To maximize the effectiveness of sparklines in your Excel 2016 spreadsheets, consider the following best practices:

• Keep it simple: Sparklines are best used for quick information. Avoid filling them with too much customization that can distract from the overall trend.
• Consistent comparison: When using sparklines for comparison, make sure all sparklines use the same vertical axis scale for accurate comparison.
• Use relevant information: Always provide enough relevant data in your sheet. It is advisable to label the sparkline or provide a title or heading identifying what the sparkline is showing.

Conclusion

Sparklines are a great feature in Excel 2016 that can help make your data visually appealing while also being functional for analysis. They are a powerful tool that can be used to take a quick look at trends in your data without the complexity or space of traditional charts. Using the steps and tips outlined, you should be well-equipped to effectively incorporate sparklines into your own Excel files.

As with any tool, the key to mastering sparklines is practice, as well as tinkering with their customization options to find what works best for your specific data needs. Remember, the goal is to create a worksheet that not only presents the necessary data but does so in a way that is clear, concise, and attractive.

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