Create Dynamic In-Cell Charts with the REPT Function

Create Dynamic In-Cell Charts with the REPT Function

Use the REPT function to create in-cell charts using symbols and text. 

When to use

We use the REPT function whenever we want to create formulaic in-cell charts using symbols, icons, and text. 

Instructions

The REPT function stands for repeat. We can use it to create interesting, in-cell charts by repeating symbols, icons, and text. 

Create a Bar Chart using REPT

• Select the data. 
• Type =REPT("|",C4)
• Use the Autofill handle to copy the formula down. 

This formula will repeat the pipe symbol (|) the number of times specified in cell C4. 

• Select the cells that contain the pipes. 
• From the Home tab, in the Font group, change the font to 'Playbill'. 

We can change the color of the bars by changing the font color. 

Create a Star Chart using REPT

We can use other symbols to create interesting and engaging charts. 

• In column F next to the Rating column type =REPT("

This time, we are going to use a star to represent the values in the rating column. 

• Press Windows key + . (period) to bring up the Windows symbols gallery. 
• Search for 'Star'. 
• Click on the star icon. 
• Complete the formula as follows: =REPT("⭐",E18)
• Use the Autofill handle to copy the formula down. 

We can change the color of the stars by changing the font color. 

Add the Value to REPT

We can add the rating value to the star chart by modifying the formula. This is one of the advantages of using a formula to create a chart as we can customize the way the chart looks. 

• Edit the REPT formula. 
• Type, =REPT("⭐",E18)&" "&E18

This formula will add a space and then the value in cell E18 to the end of the stars to give a different effect. We could then hide the 'Rating' column.