What is Heat Map in Excel?

Explained

Excel heat map is a representation type that helps us compare the huge data as per the specifications. The heat map in Excel is also called a data visualization technique. In technical terms, the heat map is a visual representation of data, representing the comparative view of data.

  • The heat map is compared to the data on a color scale, which varies from green to yellow to red. In this scale, the green color represents the high value, yellow represents the moderate value, and red represents the low value.In short, the heat map is a visual representation of data with the help of colors per the values.In this type of heat map, we do presentations based on colors, which range from yellow to orange to red, and so on. We can choose some specific colors based on our choices.

How to Create a Heat Map in Excel? (Step by Step)

We can create a simple Excel heat map conditional formatting in excelConditional Formatting In ExcelConditional formatting is a technique in Excel that allows us to format cells in a worksheet based on certain conditions. It can be found in the styles section of the Home tab.read more. Here are a few steps to create a heat map of a data pool.

Examples

Example #1

We have data from the student’s marks for three months of sessional exams. In this data, we need to compare the performance of students.

  • First, we must select the column of the data on which we want to apply the heat map. Now, go to the “Home” tab, go to “Styles,” click on “Conditional Formatting,” and get a list. Now, we have six different color combinations of color scales available. We can select anyone to create a heat map in Excel. After selecting “Conditional Formatting,” click on “Color Scales” from the list. Now, we have six different color combinations of the color scale, and you can select anyone to create a heat map in Excel.

  • Step #1 – The data of marks of the student for three months is shown below:

  • Step #2 – First, we must select the column we want to create a heat map.

  • Step #3 – Now, go to the “Home” tab, go to “Styles,” and click on “Conditional Formatting.” Then, we will get a list of options.

  • Step #4 – Now, click on “Color Scales” from the list.

  • Step #5 – Now, we have six different color combinations of the color scale, and we can select anyone to create a heat map. See the figure below for the type of color combination.

  • Step #6 – Follow the same for the rest of the column and see the result below:

Now, let us learn with some more examples.

Example #2

We have data on the quality score of advisors for a month of performance in sales. Therefore, we need to compare advisors’ performance for the given month in this data.

  • Step #1 – The data of quality score for three months is shown below:

  • Step #2 – Now, we must select the column we want to create a heat map.

  • Step #3 – Next, go to the “Home” tab, then go to “Styles” and click on “Conditional Formatting,” and then we may get a list of options.

Example #3

We have data on the average sale of advisors for a month’s performance in sales. In this data, compare the performance of advisors for the given month.

  • Step #2 – Now, select the column we want to create a heat map.

  • Step #3 – Next, go to the “Home” tab, then go to “Styles” and click on “Conditional Formatting,” then we may get a list of options.

  • Step #5 – We have six different color combinations of the color scale, and we can select anyone to create a heat map. See the figure below for the type of color combination.

Things to Remember

  • A heat map visual representation of data that bifurcates data by colors ranging from high to low.The user can choose colors.A heat map is conditional formatting performed on data. For example, the data that applies to a certain color has a certain cell range color used.

This article is a guide to Heat Map in Excel. We discuss creating a heat map in Excel, practical examples, and a downloadable Excel template. You may also learn more about Excel from the following articles:- 

  • Creating Heat Map in Power BIConditional Formatting for DatesVBA Conditional FormattingSIN Excel Function