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How to Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel

Learn how to coloring alternating rows and columns in excel with clear steps, practical tips, and troubleshooting advice for a smooth, reliable result.

Table of Contents

Learning how to coloring alternating rows and columns in excel doesn't have to be complicated. This updated guide presents a clear workflow, practical checks, and troubleshooting advice you can use while completing the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Follow the steps to alternate colors in excel 2016.
  • Follow the steps to alternate colors in excel 2013 spreadsheet.
  • Follow the recommended steps in order to avoid common mistakes with coloring alternating rows and columns in excel.

1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016

Step 1: Highlight the cells that need to be colored alternately.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016

Step 2: Next, we need to do is on the Home interface of Excel, select Conditional Formatting > select New Rule.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 2

Step 3: Next, select the last line Use a formula to determine which cells to format, below we fill in =MOD(ROW(),2)>0 then click Format.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 3

Step 4: Next, select Fill and choose the color you want.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 4

Then you just need to click OK and the result will appear as below.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 5

Step 5: Click Manage Rules.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 6

Step 6: Here you will see the list of Rules just created and we just need to click to change the color.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 1. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2016 step 7

Step 7: Continue to apply steps 3 and 4 to change the color and choose the color you want.

2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet

Step 1: Open the Excel spreadsheet that you want to color alternately. Step 2: Color the rows on the spreadsheet with Conditional Formatting.

On the program interface, open the Home tab of the Ribbon bar, select Conditional Formatting in the Style group, then select New Rule in the drop-down menu.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet

The New Formatting Rule dialog box appears. In the Format values ​​where this formula is true box, type the following formula: =MOD(ROW(),2)>0.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 2

Next, to choose the fill color for the alternating rows, click the Format button, the Format Cells dialog box appears, click the Fill tab and choose the color you want to fill (here I choose light blue). Finally, press O K to finish.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 3

Step 3: Change the fill color on alternating lines.

If you want to choose a different color (other than the blue above) click Conditional Formatting then click Manage Rule.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 4

The Conditional Formatting Rule Manager dialog box appears, select Edit Rule.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 5

Select the Format box and select the color you want to change (here TipsMake chooses yellow). Then click OK to finish.

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 6

The results have changed:

Coloring Alternating Rows and Columns in Excel - 2. How to Alternate Colors in Excel 2013 Spreadsheet step 7

Alternating colors in Excel spreadsheets not only makes it easier to distinguish data, but also makes your charts more intuitive and easier to follow. This is especially useful when you work with spreadsheets containing many rows and columns of data, helping to reduce confusion and increase work efficiency.

You can try other tricks such as counting the number of words in cells, rows or columns to work with data more flexibly if you want to optimize your Excel spreadsheets further. Refer to tutorial articles such as how to use the LEN function in combination with the SUBSTITUTE and TRIM functions to count the number of words in Excel easily, helping to optimize your spreadsheets.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle coloring alternating rows and columns in excel is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.

FAQ

What should I check before I coloring alternating rows and columns in excel?

Use the latest available software, confirm that your device meets the requirements, and make sure you have the necessary permissions, account access, or backup before changing anything.

Why might I be unable to coloring alternating rows and columns in excel?

Common causes include outdated software, missing permissions, incompatible settings, incomplete setup steps, or a temporary network problem. Recheck the process from the beginning and restart the app or device if needed.

Is it safe to coloring alternating rows and columns in excel?

It is generally safe when you use official tools, review every permission, and back up important data before making system-level or account-level changes.

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