To change a cell’s color in Google Sheets, select the cells, click the Fill color button (the paint bucket) in the toolbar, and choose a color. For a color that isn’t in the palette, click Custom and enter a hex code. To color cells automatically based on their values, use Format > Conditional formatting instead.
Quick Answer
Select cells > Fill color (paint bucket) > pick a color.
Fill Cells With a Color
- Select a cell, a range, or a whole row or column (click its header).
- Click Fill color in the toolbar. If you don’t see it, click the three-dot More button.
- Choose a color, or click + under Custom to enter a hex code like #FFF2CC.
To remove the color, select the cells, open Fill color, and click Reset.
Color Cells Automatically
- Select the range.
- Click Format > Conditional formatting.
- Under Format rules, choose a condition, such as Greater than 1000 or Text contains “Done”.
- Pick a fill color under Formatting style and click Done.
Coloring Options Compared
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| Fill color | Manual highlighting |
| Conditional formatting | Colors that change with the data |
| Color scale (in conditional formatting) | Heat maps from low to high values |
| Alternating colors (Format menu) | Striped rows for easier reading |
| Text color (A with a bar) | Changing the font color instead of the background |
Cleaning up a task list? See how to remove multiple checkboxes.
Ready to share? See how to make a Google Sheets file public.
For formulas that pull values from other tabs, see linking cells in Google Sheets.
Related: How to Format Cells in Google Sheets on Android.
Troubleshooting
- Color won’t change: A conditional formatting rule may be overriding it. Check Format > Conditional formatting.
- Whole row colors when you didn’t want it: The rule’s range covers the row. Edit Apply to range.
- Can’t edit: You have view-only access, or the range is protected.
- Finding colored cells later? Use filters by color: Data > Create a filter, then filter by color. For text, see searching in Google Sheets.
Related: Highlight in Google Sheets.
Related: Center across a selection in Google Sheets.
Related: Change chart colors in Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy a cell’s color to other cells?
Yes. Use the Paint format button (the paint roller), then click the target cells.
Can I change the color on the mobile app?
Yes. Select cells, tap the Format (A) icon, then Cell > Fill color.
Summary
- Select cells and click Fill color.
- Use Custom for exact hex colors.
- Use Conditional formatting for automatic colors.
- Click Reset to remove the fill.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.