How to Apply Total Cell Style in Excel

Microsoft Excel offers a plethora of formatting options to help you create professional-looking spreadsheets. One of the most widely used formats is the Total Cell Style, which allows you to apply a visual emphasis to the Total rows of your table. Applying this style in your spreadsheet makes it easier for you and your readers to distinguish between data and the calculated totals. In this post, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to apply the Total Cell Style in Excel, so you can improve the look and readability of your spreadsheets.

What is the Total Cell Style and When to Use it

Before we dive into the steps, let’s cover what the Total Cell Style is and when to use it. The Total Cell Style is a formatting option in Excel that highlights the Total Row of your table. It adds bold font weight to the cell contents and applies a blue fill color to the background. The Total Row is a designated area for summary calculations of the data below it. It is typically placed at the bottom of the table and contains formulae that display total amounts for each column. This style is perfect for use when working with large tables with several rows of data or when you want to make your summary calculations stand out.

How to Apply Total Cell Style in Excel

Step 1: Select Total Row

First, you need to select the Total Row by clicking on the row number. The Total Row should be just below the last row of your table with data. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl + Shift + Right Arrow keys to select the entire row.

Step 2: Apply Total Cell Style

Next, click on the ‘Home’ tab and select the ‘Total Cell Style’ option from the ‘Styles’ group. Excel displays several total styles you can choose from. Hover your mouse over each style to preview their appearance and select the one that suits your needs. Alternatively, you can create your own custom total cell style by selecting the ‘New Cell Style’ option at the bottom of the Quick Styles menu.

Step 3: Review and Edit Style

Finally, you may need to review and edit the Total Cell Style to match your preferences. You can change the font color, size, or any other aspects of the style by right-clicking on the cell with the Total style, selecting ‘Styles,’ and then ‘Modify.’ In the ‘Style Dialog’ box, select the ‘Format’ button to modify the font, border, and fill color. Once you’re happy with the changes, click on the ‘OK’ button to apply them.

By following these simple steps, you can now apply the Total Cell Style to your Excel spreadsheets. The next time you’re working on a large table with summary calculations, don’t be afraid to ‘jazz’ it up a bit with some Total Cell Style. Not only will this make your table look more professional, but also it will make your summary figures stand out for easier reading.

Tips for Using Total Cell Style in Excel

Here are some useful tips to make the most out of the Total Cell Style feature in Excel:

1. Copy and Paste the Total Row

If you’re working with multiple tables, copying and pasting the Total Row with the Total Cell Style saves time and ensures consistency. Just copy the Total Row, select the equivalent position on the other table, and paste the formula with the Total Cell Style. This way, you don’t have to redo the formatting for each table.

2. Format Table as a Table

Excel’s ‘Format as Table’ feature lets you create a professional-looking table with several pre-designed styles to choose from. When you format your table as a table, you’re also applying Total Cell Style to your Total Row. You can also filter or sort your table more efficiently, saving you a ton of time when working with large amounts of data.

3. Use Conditional Formatting With Total Cell Style

Excel offers another formatting option called ‘Conditional Formatting’ which highlights certain data based on conditions you set. By using conditional formatting, you can make your table more dynamic and highlight data that meets certain criteria, such as high or low values. You can also use conditional formatting in conjunction with Total Cell Style to make it stand out even further.

The Total Cell Style feature in Excel allows you to easily emphasize and make your Total Row stand out more in your tables. Not only does it make it easier for you to read, but it also makes your table look more polished and professional. Use these additional tips to make the most out of this feature, and watch as your tables become more dynamic and easy to read.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Total Cell Style in Excel:

What happens if I apply Total Cell Style to the wrong row?

If you apply the Total Cell Style to the wrong row, you can easily remove it by selecting the row and then clicking on the ‘Home’ tab, selecting the ‘Cell Styles’ option, and then selecting the ‘Normal’ style. Alternatively, right-click on the Total Row, select the ‘Styles’ option, and then select ‘Normal’ to remove the Total Cell Style.

Can I customize the Total Cell Style?

Yes. You can customize the Total Cell Style to match your preference. Right-click on the Total Row, select the ‘Styles’ option, and then select ‘Modify.’ From here, you can change the font style, color, fill color, and other attributes of the Total Cell Style.

Can I apply Total Cell Style to other cells in my spreadsheet?

No. The Total Cell Style feature is only applicable to the Total Row. However, you can create a similar style for other cells by customizing a cell style and applying it to the desired cells.

Can I use Total Cell Style with other formatting options in Excel?

Yes. Total Cell Style can be used in conjunction with other formatting options in Excel, such as conditional formatting, custom number formats, or cell borders. Just make sure that the Total Cell Style doesn’t conflict with other formatting options and that it doesn’t affect the legibility of your table.

Can I apply Total Cell Style to my Excel tables on Mac?

Yes. The Total Cell Style feature is available on Excel for Mac. Just follow the same steps as those outlined in this article for Windows. However, some features may vary depending on the Excel version or OS, so it’s always best to check the Excel documentation for specific instructions.