Highlight Top 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 highest values in Excel data set, using conditional formatting.

Let’s see an example to see how we can do this.
Example: Highlight 3 highest 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 top 3 numbers in this range.

To highlight the top three values 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 Top.
  • In the value box, write 3.
  • Select the formatting of the cell for top 3 values. I have selected a green fill.
  • Hit Ok. It is done. Now the top three values in this range will be highlighted with green fill dynamically.


This is easy. Isn't it?

So yeah, this how you can highlight top 3 values in a range. Using this method you can highlight n number of top 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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