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To create a heat map in Google Sheets, select the cells you want to format, open Format > Conditional formatting, choose Color scale, set the scale’s minimum and maximum (and an optional midpoint), then click Done. The colors show how values compare across the selected range.
Make a heat map with a color scale
- Select the data range. Highlight the numeric cells you want to visualize. Leave column and row headers out unless you want them colored as well.
- Open conditional formatting. Choose Format > Conditional formatting. A formatting panel opens on the right.
- Choose the scale. In the panel, select Color scale under the formatting-style controls.
- Set the scale points. Choose the minimum and maximum value categories or enter values. Add a midpoint if you want a three-point scale; otherwise, the scale runs between its minimum and maximum.
- Check the preview and apply. Review how the colors distinguish values, then click Done. The conditional formatting rule applies to the selected range.
Google documents this computer workflow in its conditional formatting instructions for Google Sheets.
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Choose a scale or a formula rule
| Approach | Best for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Color scale | Showing relative numeric values across a range | Applies a gradient between configured minimum and maximum points, with an optional midpoint. |
| Custom formula rule | Highlighting cells when a specific logical condition is true, including conditions based on other cells | Applies formatting when a formula evaluates as a match for the selected range. |
Use a custom formula for condition-based highlighting
- Select the cells to format, then choose Format > Conditional formatting.
- In the rule controls, choose Custom formula is.
- Enter the formula, choose the formatting style, and click Done.
Google notes that a custom formula referring to another sheet should use INDIRECT. This option is more suitable than a color scale when the goal is to mark cells meeting a particular condition rather than show a gradient of relative values.
Use the color scale in the Android app
In the Sheets Android app, select the range, open Format > Conditional formatting, and choose Color scale under formatting style. Set the minimum, maximum, and optional midpoint, then tap Done. If you leave values unset, Sheets adjusts them automatically based on the data.
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