By utilizing icons in the previous section, we can easily see if each period had an acceptable increase or if we need to be alarmed. What if we want to look for a trend? Are we steadily increasing? Decreasing? It is for these questions that Sparklines can provide value. Imagine a tiny little chart next to our set of numbers. When the focus is the numbers themselves, adding these tiny little charts (aka Sparklines) can give enough visual information to know where you need to focus your attention. Let's add them now.
We'll add some Sparklines to our revenue and net income data. First, let's set up the formatting.
Open the GP 2016
Dashboard.xlsxfile that we've been working with.Click on the Dashboard tab to open the worksheet.
Select cell I7. This should be the cell next to the header for period 4.
Type
Quick Trendin the cell I7 and widen the cell to ensure that it fits.Select cell H7.
Select the Home tab and click on the paintbrush icon to copy the formatting...