Highlight Bottom 3 Values in Excel


In data analysis and MIS reporting, we often get the need to highlight the top and bottom values. This helps us to easily identify focus areas. In this article, we will learn how we can highlight the 3 lowest values in  Excel data set, using conditional formatting.

Let’s see an example to see how we can do this.
Example: Highlight 3 lowest values in a data set
In range A2:C7 I have a formula =RANDBETWEEN(10,100). This formula generates a random number between 10 and 100, in each cell, whenever a change made in the file. I want to highlight the smallest 3 numbers in this range.

To highlight the smallest three value in excel, follow these steps:

  • Select the range.
  • Go to Home ? Conditional Formatting ? New Rule.
  • Here, select "format only top or bottom ranked value"
  • In the drop-down, select bottom.
  • In Value box, write 3.
  • Select the formatting of the cell for bottom 3 values. I have selected red fill.
  • Hit Ok. It is done. Now the bottom three values in this range will be highlighted with red fill dynamically.


This was easy. But things get a little bit tricky when we add another criteria for highlighting bottom values. Here I have prepared a tutorial on how to highlight lowest 3 values in range with criteria. Go check it out.

So, yeah this how you can highlight bottom 3 values in a range. Using this method you highlight n number of bottom values. There's no restriction in excel for that. If you have any doubts on this article or any other excel topic, mention it in the comments section below.

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