[Fixed]: Conditional Formatting in Data Bar Percentage Not Working in Excel

To demonstrate the solutions, we’ll use a dataset of 10 employees of a company and their salaries. Our dataset is in the range of cells B5:C14.


Fix 1 – Avoid Non-Numeric Values

To display the dataset with the conditional formatting percentage format, we have to avoid the presence of non-numeric data in our dataset. You may notice that in the Income column, there is a non-numeric value. We cannot apply the conditional formatting data bar with percentages.

Non-numeric data in dataset

Steps:

  • Select cell C8.
  • Remove the non-numeric value from the cell.
  • Press Enter.

Eliminate first non-numeric data to fix conditional formatting data bar percentage not working

  • Remove the non-numeric value from cell C12.

  • Apply the conditional formatting data bar with percentage formatting, and you will get the result.

Avoid non-numeric value to fix Excel conditional formatting data bar percentage not working


Fix 2 – Choosing Percent Formatting

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • Click on the drop-down arrow of the Conditional Formatting, then choose the Data Bars option and select the More Rules option.

Launching New Formatting Rules dialog box

  • A small dialog box called New Formatting Rules will appear.
  • In the Type option, click on the drop-down arrow of the Minimum option and change the option from Automatic to Percent.
  • Change the Type option for the Maximum value from Automatic to Percent.
  • The Minimum and the Maximum values will be automatically set by Excel. The Minimum value of 0 will be the lowest value of the dataset, and the Maximum value of 100 will be the highest value of the dataset.

Set the Percent option in the Data Bar

  • Select the Fill type. We choose the Gradient Fill option.

  • Click on OK.

Choosing Percent formatting to fix Excel conditional formatting data bar percentage not working

Read More: How to Use Data Bars with Percentage in Excel


Fix 3 – Applying Automatic Formatting

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • In the Home tab, click on the drop-down arrow of the Conditional Formatting, then go to the Data Bars option and choose the More Rules option.

Launching New Formatting Rules dialog box

  • A small dialog box called New Formatting Rules will appear.
  • Keep the Type option for both Minimum and Maximum as Automatic.
  • Click on the drop-down arrow of the Fill option and choose an option. We choose Gradient Fill.

  • Click on OK.

Applying Automatic formatting to fix Excel conditional formatting data bar percentage not working


Fix 4 – Show Data Bars Separately

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14 and press Ctrl + C to copy the data.

  • Select cell D5 and press Ctrl + V to paste the data.

Paste the dataset

  • Select the range of cell D5:D14.
  • In the Home tab, click on the drop-down arrow of the Conditional Formatting, then go to the Data Bars option and choose the More Rules option.

Opening the New formatting Rules dialog box from the drop down arrow of the Conditional Formatting

  • A small dialog box called New Formatting Rules will appear.
  • In the Type option, click on the drop-down arrow of the Minimum option and change the option from Automatic to Percent.
  • Change the Type option for the Maximum value from Automatic to Percent.
  • Excel will automatically set the Minimum and the Maximum values. Here, the Minimum value of 0 will be the lowest value of the dataset, and the Maximum value of 100 will be the highest value of the dataset.

Set the Percent option in the Data Bar

  • Select the Fill type. We choose the Gradient Fill option.

  • Check the Show Bar Only option.

Select suitable option to display only data bar

  • Click OK.

Excel conditional formatting data bar percentage not working


Fix 5 – Re-Installing an Updated Version of Excel

An updated version of Excel neglects the cell format of the Number group, and it automatically sets the cell formatting by the cell entities.


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Soumik Dutta
Soumik Dutta

Soumik Dutta, having earned a BSc in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, plays a key role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a profound passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Soumik not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also demonstrates enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, underscoring his unwavering commitment to consistently deliver exceptional, high-quality content that... Read Full Bio

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