How to use Sparklines in Excel 2010

Microsoft Excel 2010 makes it possible to analyze information in more ways than ever before. The new version will allow users to track and highlight important data trends with new data analysis and visualization tools. Sparklines are mini-charts that you could place inside cells so that you can view the data and the chart on the same table. In this post I will show you how to insert Sparkline charts in an Excel spreadsheet.  Begin with a regular spreadsheet document – in the example below I used the sales report template from Excel 2010 but any Excel sheet with tabular numeric data could also be used.

Select the cells where you want the sparklines to appear. Put it at the side of the table for easier viewing.

Click the Insert menu from the ribbon then choose “column” under the Sparklines group.

Select or enter the range of cells that will be the source of the data for the charts.

The charts should appear at the side of the table.

At a glance you could now see trends of growth or decline.  For example, the ones in circles have growing trend:

With proper use of Sparklines, data analysis is quicker and more direct to the point.  You will also have a simpler view of information without having a busy chart hovering on top of your sheet.  Make sure to visit us regularly for more Office 2010 tips!